PRECIPITOUS FALL: THE INEVITABLE FALLOUT OF SNOBBISH ARROGANCE

“The only thing more dangerous than ignorance is arrogance”– those are Albert Einstein's poignant words. "ಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣ ಗಾರುಡಿ" (Shree Krishna Gaarudi') is a 1958 Kannada classic film that drives home the point with élan and elegance. The old world charm of the movie, in the genre of mythological drama, is heady! It was remade in Telugu in 1958 with the same title.

The central theme of the film is the disharmony among the Pandavas about the distribution of powers after Dharmaraya's (BR Panthulu) coronation and ascension to the throne of Hastinapura. Arjuna (Rajkumar) and Bheema (Veeranna) feel humiliated when they do not get ministerial berths; the egotistic duo are enraged at their subordination to the younger Nakula and Sahadeva. Both are convinced that Krishna (Siddaiah Swamy) had hatched a conspiracy to slight and sideline them with inferior portfolios. This sets the stage up for the narrative of fervid drama intermixed with uplifting comedy.

Bellave Narahari Shastri penned the fictional story of political intrigue. Thus, the engrossing narrative is founded on Arjuna and Bheema's pride and arrogance, on one hand; ignominy and indignity, on the other– of course, Lord Krishna teaches them a lesson or two in humility and modesty. That is the flick's message to all of society.

Written and directed by the legend, Hunsur Krishnamurthy, the film allegorizes, even parodies the politics in the State of Mysore at the time. The entire cast is exceptional in the portrayal of the characters; they deliver comedic dialogues with impeccable timing. Composer Pendyala Nageshswara Rao's musical score is outstanding. PB Sreenivas' rendition of the popular 'Bombe Aatavayya' is rich in its philosophical content.

Technically the movie is dated.

What elevates the film is the compelling narrative; all creative elements lock in and come alive to enthrall, enchant viewers. The masterpiece provides pure, pristine entertainment... profound in its messaging too.

In short, this film is the perfect exemplar for a titillating onscreen experience.

I rate it...with joy: 9.0 on 10!


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

THE ETERNAL STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE ALIEN AND THE INDIGENOUS

Image
“ 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 Nati onal 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 ...
Read more

PEOPLE, NOT POWER, CORRUPT THE SYSTEM

Image
It has been said that ' behind every great fortune is a great crime .' Indeed, fortune is undeniably the frequent causa causans for crime. " ಅಂತ " (' Anta ', which translates to ' End ') is a 1981 Kannada film, which delves into the murky world of the corrupt and the criminal. Based on HK Anantha Rao's story, it was remade in Tamil (' Thyagi '), Telugu (' Atham Kadidi Aarambam ') and Hindi (' Meri Aawaz Suno '). This landmark action thriller was hugely successful at the box-office. Sushil Kumar (Ambareesh), an upright, diligent police inspector, is living happily with his pregnant wife, Sunitha (Lakshmi) and his mother (Pandari Bai). It is happenstance that he bears an uncanny resemblance to Kanwar Lal (also Ambareesh), a dreaded, notorious gangster serving a life term in prison for murder. So, the police hatch a plot to plant Sushil in Kanwar's place if only to penetrate and bust the latter's gang of smugglers,...
Read more

THE THRILL OF THE PERFECT HEIST

Image
“He who does not prevent a crime when he can, encourages it,” observed the Roman philosopher Seneca. That perhaps is the raison dꞋetre for the eternal cat-and-mouse game between cop and criminal. “ ನವಗ್ರಹ ” (‘ Navagraha’, which translates to ‘ Nine Planets ’) is a 2008 Kannada film, which over the years has attained the status of a cult classic. Heavily inspired by Reservoir Dogs, this heist movie was a runaway success at the box-office. The film revolves around Jaggu (Darshan), a dacoit with a history of high-profile thefts. An international antique collector engages Jaggu to steal the golden howdah― the main attraction showcased during the Dasara festivities― from the Mysore palace. Jaggu accepts the brief and soon embarks on his mission. He assembles a team of fellow henchmen and hatches a foolproof, audacious plan. The gang of seven men and two women, diverse in skill and savvy, collaborates to pull off the caper. An astute, discerning police officer, ACP Bhagat (Sourav) ...
Read more