Ondu Muttina Kathe which literally means 'Story of a Pearl' is an Indian movie which is directed by actor/director Shankar Nag

Shankar Nag

Shankar Nagarkatte , 9 November 1954 - 30 September 1990) popularly known as Shankar Nag was a popular actor and director of Kannada cinema. He also directed and acted in the teleserial, Malgudi days, based on celebrated novelist R.K.Narayan's short stories. Besides these, he was actively involved...

, starring the legendary Dr. Rajkumar in the lead role. It is loosely based on John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck

John Ernst Steinbeck, Jr. was an American writer. He is widely known for the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden and the novella Of Mice and Men...

's book The Pearl

The Pearl (novel)

The Pearl is a novella by American author John Steinbeck, published in 1947.- Analysis :A story based on a Mexican folk tale, The Pearl explores the secrets of man's nature, the darkest depths of evil, and the disastrous effects of stepping out of an established system...

. It is considered as the cult classic in the history of Kannada cinema. Though a box office flop, the movie is still remembered for its brilliant story and its technical superiority. It is said to be the first Indian movie to be shot underwater. This film is also notable for the underwater fighting scene between Dr. Rajkumar and an octopus.

Plot

Ondu Muttina Kathe revolves around a deep sea diver, played by Dr. Rajkumar, who dives into the sea in search of pearls. One day he manages to bring a shining pearl to his house. The news spreads around the village and he finds everyone wants to own it. And at the same time his baby falls sick and he takes the baby to a doctor, who treats the baby and asks for the pearl instead of money. Meanwhile, others in the village hatch plans to steal the pearl from the fisherman. Disgusted by human greed, the fisherman dumps the pearl back into the sea.