LOVE IN MARRIAGE...AND WITHOUT

Benjamin Franklin, the American polymath, put it succintly when he said, “Where there's Marriage without Love, there will be Love without Marriage.”

"ಕಾಡಿನ ಬೆಂಕಿ" ('Kaadina Benki', or 'Forest Fire') is a 1987 Kannada film, which was critically appreciated and won a slew of awards. Based on N D'Souza's novel, the film addresses the adult themes of adultery, erectile dysfunction and much more, thankfully with some finesse.

Rajaram (Suresh Heblikar), a forest range officer, moves into the guest house deep inside a dense jungle in the hills. The old caretaker is married to a young lady, Manohari (Vanitha Vasu), who yearns for coital pleasures. Sparks fly between the two; they succumb to their carnal urges and consummate their illicit relationship.

Complications set in when Rajaram marries Yashoda (Mamta Rao) and Manohari conceives. On top, Rajaram begins to experience virility issues; he makes kinky-'n-queer sexual demands. Oh...and, he continues his adulterous dalliance with Manohari.

So, does Yashoda resign herself to Rajaram's deviant behavior and fetishes? How do they reconcile their differences?

That is the film.

Suresh Heblikar has done a fine job directing this bold film with its adult theme, which surely is not for the prudish. His depiction of eroticism, kept to a minimum, is not crass. He has attempted to explore the psychological impact of bizarre sexual acts and expectations on the spouse. Nagathihalli Chandrashekar's screenplay is tight and fast-moving; some sequences seem to be force-fitted in the narrative though.

Suresh Heblikar's acting is subtle. Vanitha Vasu excels as the sultry seductress. Mamta Rao, besides the supporting cast of Aravind, Vaishali Kasaravalli and others, too have fared commendably. Girish Karnad is his usual dignified self in a cameo.

The dull, diffused lighting used– perhaps an attempt to give the film a retro feel and classy texture– actually makes the camerawork look amateurish. Music of the veteran Vijay Bhaskar is on par. Editing is sharp and fairly precise.

On the whole, the flick is a good watch because it not only presents a gripping story, but also dissiminates valuable information about mental health and sexual behavior. The movie also touches upon the effects of Oedipus Complex on human psychology.

Marcel Proust, the French writer, said 'adultery breathes new life into marriages which have been left for dead'. Definitely a moot point, for, on the flipside, 'adultery may also steal love from lively, vibrant marriages.' That is what the film seems to focus on.

I rate this domestic drama: 7.0 on 10!