MATCHUP BETWEEN DECEIT AND DIGNITY

It has been arguably said that you can only cheat a greedy man, not an honest one. True at times; not always. Often the naive too fall prey to the devilry of the consummate con artist.

"ಸುಬ್ಬ ಶಾಸ್ತ್ರಿ" ('Subba Shastri') is a 1966 Kannada film based on the novel Aashada Bhoothi by AN Murthy Rao. The crime drama, with the trappings of a family drama, was well appreciated by audiences and critics alike. The flick portrays, charmingly too, the pitfalls of harbouring excessively strong fraternal feelings; and, how fissures can develop easily within a family when outsiders with dubious antecedence rule the roost.

The male protagonist, Subba Shastry (Kalyan Kumar) is a cheat, who sweet-talks his way quoting the scriptures and uttering pearls of wisdom. Blessed with a baritone voice, the wily, glib fellow can melt hearts with his euphonic, captivating renditions of devotional songs.

With the police hot on his heels, Subba reaches the temple town of Melkote, where he befriends Shankarappa (KS Ashwath), an orthodox man. Mesmerised with Subba's erudition and eloquence, pious, but gullible Shankarappa invites home the fugitive, who has a roving eye too.

In due course, Shankarappa even contemplates getting his daughter to enter into wedlock with the charlatan. This does not go well with the rest of the family, which wants the trickster thrown out of the household. Subba too becomes the proverbial camel nose under the tent for the family. He subtly and slickly interferes and influences Shankarappa's deeds and thoughts with his sweet as sugar words.

So, finally who prevails? Shankarappa's family, or Subba?

Director MV Krishnaswamy has captured beautifully the old world charm and cultural milieu of the relaxed, erstwhile princely state of Mysuru. It is a throwback to a different era when people were perhaps a lot more trusting and respectful of one and all, even strangers. The script and screenplay, replete with light banter and dainty humour, are delightful.

Doyen Kalyan Kumar is OUTSTANDING in the lead role. Ashwath, Chandrakala, and others, lend excellent support to him. The musical score of S Krishnamurthy and Veena Doreswamy Iyengar is sublime. Each of the tracks, with vocals of the legendary Balamurali Krishna and Smt. Srirangam Gopalaratnam, is a veritable classic. The editorial and camera work is simple, yet effective.

Moral of the flick: You cannot judge a book by its cover!

I rate this enchanting drama– a classic: 8.0 on 10!