Cobra) is a 1972 Indian Kannada-language film directed by Puttanna Kanagal, based on T. R. Subba Rao's three novels Nagarahavu, Ondu Gandu Eradu Hennu and Sarpa Mathsara,[1] and starring Vishnuvardhan, Aarathi, K. S. Ashwath and Shubha.

The supporting cast features Leelavathi, M. Jayashree, M. N. Lakshmi Devi, Ambareesh, Shivaram, Dheerendra Gopal, Lokanath and Vajramuni.

His love interests are Alamelu (Aarathi) and Margaret (Shubha) who play pivotal parts in his life.

The film was released on 29 December 1972 to widespread critical acclaim and was a success at the box office and paved the way for the stardom of Vishnuvardhan, Ambareesh and Aarathi who became leading actors in Kannada cinema.

[3] The character roles of Leelavathi, Dheerendra Gopal, Loknath, M. N. Lakshmi Devi were also critically acclaimed.

This film was remade in Hindi as Zehreela Insaan, directed by Puttanna Kanagal himself and in Tamil as Raja Nagam and Kode Nagu in Telugu.

[4] The story revolves around a short-tempered, yet affable college student named Ramachari in the town of Chitradurga.

The story begins with Ramachari being caught in class while trying to copy in an examination and being suspended by the college principal (Loknath).

However, due to the intense pressure of the society which denounces the marriage between a Brahmin boy and a Christian girl, they decide to elope.

Ramachari, shocked by this incident, asks Margaret to join him in a bid to accompany his beloved teacher in death, to which she agrees and they both jump off the cliff.

Jaleela (Ambareesh) is the rowdy young man who harasses Almelu every time she goes to college by singing the then-popular song "Mere sapnon ki Rani kab Ayegi tu".

Ultimately, this results in Chamayya master intervening and have Almelu marry the man chosen by her parents.

Their mother-son bond is well depicted in the aftermath of Ramachari tying his college principal to a pole and being made to apologise.

[citation needed] The song Haavina Dwesha went on to be used in the Hindi version as Saanp Se Badhke.

[5] Vijayabhaskar reused "Karpoorada Gombe" as "Varavendum Vaazhkaiyil Vasantham" for Tamil film Mayangukiral Oru Maadhu.

[6][7] The song "Kannada Naadina" narrates the story of Onake Obavva who fought the forces of Hyder Ali.

[8][9] After watching the film, T. R. Subba Rao remarked that Puttanna Kanagal has turned Naagarahaavu (the cobra) into 'Kerehaavu' (meaning rat snake).