THE ETERNAL STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE ALIEN AND THE INDIGENOUS

“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors— we borrow it from our children”, despite its triteness, is a poignant and profound expression that all of mankind must remember. The attritional interplay between economic development and environmental protection serves as a canvas for “ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಜೀವ” " (Bettada Jeeva – Life of the Hill), a National Award-winning Kannada film.

The movie– set in 1942 when the independence movement was at its zenith– is based on Jnanpith Awardee, Dr. Shivaram Karanth's novel by the same name. The plot revolves around the protagonist, Shivaramu, a young freedom fighter on the run, who is lost in the hilly terrain and dense jungle of the Western ghats. Strangers lead Shivaramu to Kelabailu, a small hamlet where he takes refuge in the house of an old man, Gopalaiah.

Overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality of his hosts and in deference to their insistence, Shivaramu extends his stay at Kelabailu– an outpost of civilisation untouched by and oblivious to the turmoil of the freedom struggle. During interactions with Gopalaiah (whose son has deserted him) and his family, Shivaramu gains insights into the simple and affectionate; yet, zestful and enterprising lives of people in the dense forests of the hills.

The flick attempts to explore the assiduous and aspirational lives of closely-knit, but secluded communities. The outliers subjugate Mother Nature to benefit from her bounty while existing in peace, at times, and, in strife, at other times, with the pristine flora and fauna of the hills.

Director P. Sheshadri has brilliantly juxtaposed the man-versus-man and man-versus-animal confrontations in this delicately crafted drama. A parallel is sublimely drawn between the conflict of the imperial British against the indigenous people of alien India and that of the imperious human against native species of usurped forest lands.

An innately slow, relaxed script has been masterfully put on celluloid with engaging screenplay to immerse you in a narrative that is “poetic magic”. The acting of Suchendra Prasad, H. G. Dattatreya, et al , is captivating. The background score of V. Manohar is melodious; Anant Urs, the cinematographer too has adequately captured the ethereal beauty of the Western Ghats with consummate ease. The editing and sound recording are somewhat amateurish, if only in parts.

The abrupt ending of this otherwise engrossing film, however, gives you a feeling of emptiness...or rather, incompleteness. A major chink in the armour of an aesthetically appealing, cinematically compelling flick!

I rate “Bettada Jeeva” 8.0 on 10!