WHEN “THE SYSTEM” LEAVES YOU HIGH, DRY AND HELPLESS

Thomas Paine, the American philosopher and political activist, wrote insightfully: “Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.” The question that begs to be asked though is: “In what state would government be an 'helpless one'? Or, a 'hopeless one'?”

'ಬೇಲಿ ಮತ್ತು ಹೊಲ' (“Beli Mattu Hola”, meaning, 'Fence and the Yard') is a 2010 Kannada film, a drama, which delves into the incompetence of government. It presents the plight of the weak and the frail in rural India with matters requiring government intervention.

The village pawnbroker's house is burgled and his wealth, including all pawned valuables, is looted. The old man suffers a paralytic stroke and dies. His son, Chambasava (Achyuth Kumar) takes over the estate of his father; his main worry is the recovery of the stolen gold.

So, Chambasava files a complaint with the police and gets entangled in a web of lies, fraud and deceit. The local ecosystem, government machinery included, steps in with gusto and promises of help. Public servants and police authorities diligently discharge duty; yet, the system drag its feet and justice eludes the poor, hapless fella. The bribes the fella is compelled to pay virtually drive him to penury.

The movie– based on Veerabhadrappa Kumbar's (pen name: KumVee) novel– presents stark reality in a no-nonsense manner. Though the screenplay makes the film seem like a parody, it is a “crime drama” with lighthearted moments. While PR Ramadasa Naidu's direction and screenplay are remarkable; the music, editing and cinematography are cookie-cutter. Achyuth Kumar's acting is brilliant, standout...as always.

On the downside, the movie is anti-climactic. Despite the lame letdown, it is most definitely a good watch!

I rate it 7.5 on 10!

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