ALL ABOUT MAKING...AND LOSING MONEY

The English statesman, Sir Francis Bacon observed philosophically: “Money is a great servant, but a bad master.”

“ಬ್ಯಾಂಕರ್ ಮಾರ್ಗಯ್ಯ” ('Banker Margayya') is a 1983 Kannada film, which is based on RK Narayan's novel, 'The Financial Expert'. The drama not only received rave reviews, but also won a host of awards. The flick deals with the ups and downs in the life and fortunes of a shrewd, streetwise money lender, Margayya (Lokesh). But, consequent to a quirky twist of fate, Margayya loses all his wealth and is reduced to penury.

Thanks to a chance meeting with a happy-go-lucky Dr. Pal (Sundar Krishna Urs), Margayya publishes a sex manual. The pornographic book sells like hot cakes and Margayya begins to roll in money again. An ugly fallout of the newfound success is that Margayya's teenaged son, Balu (Sundar Raj) also gets hold of a copy. He soon loses interest in studies; becomes rebellious and takes to an amorous, decadent life.

Margayya becomes a financier again and his business flourishes more. A nouveau riche, he soon moves in elite, exclusive circles. However, he keeps crossing paths with wheeler-dealer Dr. Raj, who eventually orchestrates a run on Margayya's bank.

How does Margayya survive the crisis? The film traces the interplay of money, morals and mirth, which are often at loggerheads with each other in Margayya's life. Material plentitude does not usher in bliss and happiness at home for him.

The message is loud and clear: Easy come, easy go!

Director TS Nagabharana has put forth a true classic. He has splendidly portrayed the crests and troughs in Margayya's life– his work and wealth seem to play hide and seek all the time with warmth and well-being at home. The narrative, at a metaphysical level, suggests that the sweetness of success often has the bitterness of failure on the flipside.

Lokesh has put in a brilliant performance. He has captured subtly, yet vividly the troubled times and triumphant moments in the lead character's life. Veterans Sundar Krishna Urs, Sundar Raj and Jayanthi have rendered able support. The music of Vijay Bhaskar is on the money. Screenplay could surely have been a little more refined; so too the editing and camerawork.

The real winner though is RK Narayan, whose genius is evident in this fictional story of Margayya's life...and, the victories and the vicissitudes woven masterfully therein.

I rate it: 8.5 on 10!