BLIND BELIEF COMFORTS, BUT CLOUDS REASON

The polarisation is complete. People are either pro- or anti-horoscope– some call it flippantly as 'horror-scope'. The battlelines between the 'yea-sayers' and 'nay-sayers' of horoscope, and its parent, astroloy, are well-drawn. Those educated in modern sciences generally oppose astrological fore-telling. Ralph Emerson, the American thinker put it wryly, but perhaps aptly: “Astronomy to the selfish becomes astrology”.

"ಶೃತಿ ಸೇರಿದಾಗ” ['Shruthi Seridaaga', meaning: '(When the) Pitch Matches'] is a 1987 Kannada film based on novelist Kumuda's literary work. The romantic drama, a megahit, has busting the myth of astrology for its theme.

The lead protagonist, Dr. Murthy (Rajkumar) is a surgeon. He is passionate about singing too. On a trip to attend a conference, he falls in love with Radha (Madhavi) and wants to marry her. But, Radha's father, Retd. Major Subbanna (Balakrishna) is a staunch believer of astrological predictions. He gets Murthy's horoscope clandestinely checked and is told that Murthy will get widowed within a year of his marriage.

Hence, Subbanna insists that the wedding be cancelled. In deference to her father's wish, Radha terminates the alliance. Grief-stricken Murthy eventually ties the nuptial knot with Kamala (Geetha). He even begets a son out of the wedlock.

So does the prophecy come true?

Director Chi. Dattaraj has put forth a fine story on the bigscreen. The narrative is a little too convoluted. Nonetheless, Chi.Udayashankar's peppy dialogues and Singeetam Srinivasa Rao's brisk screenplay make it an absorbing watch, save the sappy sentimentality. Editing leaves a lot to be desired though.

Doyen TG Lingappa's background score is mellifluent; it includes several chartbusting tracks composed to Chi.Udayashankar's SUBLIME lyrics– the evergreen classic track is legend PB Srinivas' 'Bombe Aatavayya'.

The film has matinee idol and artiste par excellence, Rajkumar as the male protagonist; his rendition is copybook for his character. Madhavi and Geetha in female lead roles too have done a commendable job; so also, supporting cast comprising of veteran actors, Balakrishna, Ashwath and others.

The climactic message of 'Sakala grahabala neene sarasijaaksha'– it translates to: 'The might of all planets is (in) You, Lord Vishnu!'', a deeply philosophical quote of the great saint, Sri. Purandara Dasa– is the real icing on the cake of the film.

As the French writer and philosopher, Voltaire said metaphorically: “...astrology is to astronomy: the made daughter of a wise mother.”

I rate this romantic drama, thanks to its prudent, relevant message: 8.0 on 10!