POLITICIANS POSE AS SERVANTS TO BECOME MASTERS

Shakespeare wrote sagaciously in his drama 'Henry IV', “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown!”

That was during the medieval times when the Crown wielded supreme power. In modern democracies though, it is the political class that rules the roost. In murky politics, treachery and skulduggery of every kind is game for winning power... and, staying in power.

"ಹರಕೆಯ ಕುರಿ" ('Harakeya Kuri', which means: 'Pledged Sheep') is a 1992, National Award winning Kannada film that portrays the vicious, visceral world of politics. Based on Jnanpith awardee, Chandrashekhara Kambara's novel of the same name, the political drama was critically appreciated too.

The novel apparently was inspired by real-life incidents. It depicts how crooked, corrupt politicians– their shady, slimy henchmen and musclemen included– exploit common folk with threats, harassment and intimidation. The powerful thrive in choas and crime even as the powerless strive to eke out a living in a dysfunctional society. No wonder Albert Einstein concluded:”Politics is more difficult than physics”!

The movie begins with a couple renting the house of Rudrappa (HG Somashekhara Rao), a local politician. The husband, Prakasha (Prakash Rai) is an academic; his wife, Saroja a.k.a Rosy (Geetha) is a government clerk. The couple gets entangled in political rivalries and power struggles... even ruthless murder when Sidlingu (Vishnuvardhan), a contract killer takes refuge in their house. They become pawns in Rudrappa's wily plots against Danappa (HG Dattatreya), a fellow partyman.

Director KSL Swamy (also Lalitha Ravee) has committed to celluloid a gripping story of intrigue. The Machiavellian masterpiece showcases, bone-chillingly too, abuse of authority in the establishment. Toxic conspiracies in polity are like festering sores that inject malignancy into the system. His narrative uses vignettes and metaphors to drive home the duplicity and chicanery that dominates the political system.

The cast has put in EXCEPTIONAL performances. Thespian Vishnuvardhan is outstanding in his cameo; So too Dattatreya and Somashekhara Rao. Prakash is mediocre in his portrayal– hammy in some scenes, deadpan in others. Geetha lights up the screen with her presence.

The screenplay is tight, but, stageplay-like; much of the narration takes place inside a small house– it is reminiscent of the Alfred Hitchcock classic 'The Rear Window'. The movie is technically sub par though. The background score of the legend Vijaya Bhaskar is fine and dandy.

The film is a super watch.

I rate this political drama, a notch liberally: 8.5 on 10!