The story revolves around Appanna (played by V. Ravichandran ), a devoted single father who works tirelessly as a lorry driver to raise his daughter, Preethi (played by Ramya ). Appanna dreams of giving Preethi the best life possible, even if it means hiding his own struggles and illiteracy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Highly recommended for family viewing.
If you are looking for a Kannada movie that will make you reach for a tissue box and call your father afterward, Appana Preethiyalli is a must-watch. It’s a timeless reminder that a parent’s love is never conditional, even when a child’s respect temporarily wavers.
Released in 2008, Appana Preethiyalli (translated as In Father’s Love ) is a poignant Kannada family drama that stands out for its emotional depth and strong performances. Directed by S. Mahendar , a filmmaker known for weaving intense family emotions into his narratives, the movie explores the often-ignored perspective of a father’s silent sacrifices and a child’s misunderstood love.
Appana Preethiyalli (2008): A Heartfelt Tale of Love, Sacrifice, and Redemption
Over the years, Appana Preethiyalli has gained a cult following among fans of emotional family dramas. It is often recommended alongside classics like Mannina Doni for its raw portrayal of parent-child relationships. The film also marked one of the few successful collaborations between Ravichandran (actor-director) and Ramya.
However, trouble brews when Preethi falls in love with a wealthy young man from a sophisticated urban family. As the engagement approaches, Preethi becomes ashamed of her father’s rustic, uneducated demeanor. Fearing embarrassment in front of her prospective in-laws, she requests Appanna to pretend he is her “uncle” rather than her father. The film follows Appanna’s heartbreaking decision to accept this humiliation for her happiness and the eventual realization by Preethi of the depth of her father’s love.