HAIR'S WIDTH FROM THE CONTAGION CALLED INSANITY

Philip Dick, the renowned American sci-fi writer once said: “...sometimes an appropriate response to reality is to go insane.” Of course, given that we all live in a crazy world, insanity is perhaps a sign of real sanity.

"ಮಾನಸ ಸರೋವರ" (Manasa Sarovara) is a 1982 Kannada film, which was critically lauded. Best described as a romantic-psychological drama. On one hand, it narrates pleasantly the triumph of human diligence over destiny; and, on the other, it depicts poignantly the last laugh of destiny to negate the results of diligence.

The plot is about a middle-aged, mild-mannered and well-meaning psychiatrist, Dr. Anand (Srinath), who treats a young lady, Vasanthi (Padma Vasanthi) suffering from mental illness. The special, personalised care helps Vasanthi recover from her ailment. In the process, Dr. Anand falls in love with his patient.

A fairy-tale ending on the cards, right?

Just when everything is headed towards a romantic climax, Dr. Anand's nephew, Santosh (Ramakrishna), a young, handsome man zooms into the narrative and falls for the charm and beauty of Vasanthi.

Does Santosh play spoilsport for Dr. Anand's matrimonial plans? Who does Vasanthi chose?

Director Puttanna Kanagal's story-telling is flawless, as always. He was a master of his medium, in particular, while dealing with themes of societal reform and women emancipation. He has portrayed the frail, fragile human mind with great realism in this movie; but, with some melodramatic plot-points thrown into the mix. He pits optimism against defeatism; fatalism against pragmatism, while exploring how circumstances can make even a strong mind go cuckoo! His attempt perhaps is to portray what a tightrope walk sanity is!

The crux: The mind is as weak and helpless as it is strong and resilient. And, at times, it doesn't take much to tip it over the edge.

Srinath has acted with the soft, endearing tenderness that his role mandated. Padma Vasanthi too has put in an incredible rendition– it won her a best actress award. Ramakrishna is his usual bubbly self. The supporting cast could have been more refined with the theatrics.

Puttanna's screenplay is soft and sombre. Vijay Bhaskar's background score has several soulful classics. The deeply philosophical lyrics– doleful too to go with the film's melancholic mood– of literary giant, GS Shivarudrappa in “Vedanthi Helidanu” is truly the zenith of poetic excellence. Cinematography is adequate. Editing could have been sharper.

I rate this romantic, psychological drama: 8.0 on 10!

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