DRAMA AND ITS ALTER EGO, KARMA

“You don’t love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or for their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear,” mused Oscar Wilde, the renowned Irish poet and playwright. Overly simplified, for sure!

"ಅನುರಾಗ ಅರಳಿತು" ('Anuraga Aralithu', meaning: 'Passion Bloomed'), a 1986 Kannada film, has matrimonial disputes and discontent for its theme. The flick was critically applauded; it was a mega blockbuster hit. Based on HG Radhadevi's novel 'Anuragada Anthahpura', the domestic drama was remade in six languages– Tamil ('Mannan'), Telugu ('Gharana Mogudu'), Hindi ('Laadla'), Bengali ('Jamaibabu Jindabad'), Bangladeshi Bengali ('Shami Strir Juddho'); and, Odia ('Sindura Nuhein Khela Ghara').

The film's plot is centred around Ashadevi (Madhavi), a rich, successful industrialist. She is full of feminist fervour and high on egotistic pride, to the point of arrogance. Ashadevi's father, Mohan Rao (KS Ashwath) hires Shankar (Rajkumar), a kind, morally upright man, as Chief Mechanic in the factory. Upset about the appointment, Ashadevi is antagonistic towards Shankar.

At work, Shankar befriends Ashadevi's secretary, Uma (Geetha), who is attracted to him. Shankar gets involved in labour disputes and is sacked; but, he gets reinstated. Soon, Ashadevi too gets a soft corner for Shankar and the two unite in holy wedlock, which leaves Uma devastated.

So do they all live happily ever after?

Not really, because Shankar's marriage soon runs into rough weather. Ashadevi's domineering personality leads to marital discord and familial conflicts; she withdraws from Shankar's society arrogantly and vindictively. That sets the stage for heavy-duty doses of domestic drama. Yet, Shankar manages to take it all in his stride with grit and grace. So, does he get to steady the rocky boat?

Director MS Rajashekar has put on celluloid a dramatised plot that gives credence to the adage of marriage testing the 'patience of the woman and wisdom of the man'. But, in this day and age, marital bliss is predicated on the patience and wisdom of both. Nevertheless, Rajashekar has gone into theatrical overdrive to articulate the substance of our tradition.

Moral: No room for ego and arrogance in relationships!

Music director Upendra Kumar's original compositions, set to the lyrics of Chi. Udaya Shankar, gained widespread popularity. While the camerawork is decent enough, the editing could have been sharper.

Veteran Dr. Rajkumar in the lead role has given a topnotch rendition. Unmatched in his versatility, he gives warmth and fuzziness to every one of his portrayed characters. Madhavi and Geetha are terrific too. The rest of the cast supports them well.

I rate this family drama: 7.5 on 10!


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