WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE: ONLY AN ILLUSORY FACADE?
The Australian activist and writer, G.D Anderson observed pithily that: "feminism isn't about making women stronger....it's about changing the way the world perceives that strength."
The plot, based on the novella “Biruku” penned by P. Lankesh, starts on a positive note with its depiction of the female protagonist, Shanta (Vimala Naidu) as a liberated, free-spirited lady with strong views on gender equality. In a steady, romantic relationship with Chandru (TN Seetharam), her fellow student, charming and confident Shanta lands a job after graduating from university. In contrast, Chandru's arrogance leads to his rejection in the interview.
Shanta eventually marries her boss, Jagannathan (P. Lankesh) and becomes a sophisticated socialite leading a sedentary lifestyle. Eventually, she crosses paths with Chandru, who's become a fugitive trying to evade arrest. The climax ends with Chandru's efforts to make Shanta rebel against her suffocating social environs and woo her into eloping with him.
Does he succeed?
Well the film, P. Lankesh's first foray into direction, which is average at best, has one lacuna too many. The main drawback in the plot is the portrayal of women as weak “gold-diggers”, who lack substance and are dependent on man for survival. Lankesh's limited acting skills are apparent; Vimala Naidu and TN Seetharam have given creditable performances.
The flick's screenplay appears contrived at places; the pace is a tad too sluggish. Cinematography and editing are amateurish. Rajeev Taranath's music though is refreshingly distinct.
The defeatist messaging subliminally suggests that women can ill afford to ignore man's chivalry. And, that perhaps points to a chauvinistic mindset.
I rate the movie: 6.5 on 10!
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