DREAM…THEN DRIVE YOURSELF TO DO IT!

Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish writer, aired eloquently: “An aspiration is a joy forever, a possession as solid as a landed estate, a fortune which we can never exhaust…”

Aspiration, and its alter ego, opportunity, is the starting point of all achievement, for sure. But then, getting to that elusive initial position is often a challenge for the weak and the poor.

“ಕೊಟ್ರೇಶಿ ಕನಸು” (‘Kotreshi Kanasu’, or, ‘Dream of Kotreshi’) is a 1994 National-Award-winning Kannada film that delves into the uphill battles of the disadvantaged…for even the most modest of ambitions. The flick is based on the novel ‘Kotra High-schoolige Seriddu’, penned by Sahitya Academi Awardee, Kum. Veerabhadrappa (KumVee); it received a bushel of critical acclaim too.

Kotra is a sharp, studious boy from the lower caste. He passes his Seventh Standard examinations with flying colours. And, that sets the cat among the pigeons. It polarizes the village and widens the chasms of caste and class therein. Even dear buddies ostracize the fella. Down and desolate Kotra decides to skip high school, which shatters the dreams of his family and hopes of his community.

In due course, Kotra changes his mind about pursuing secondary education. This antagonizes the upper-class, land-owning classes in the village. Abusive tirades, devious artifices and myriad impediments make a train-wreck of Kotra’s plans.

So then, does the inspired, tenacious kid succeed…despite being pushed to the brink?

Or, do the intrigues of the privileged prevail?  

Director Nagathihalli Chandrashekar’s dramatization is dainty and delicate. He has kept schmaltzy sentimentality to an optimum with his dialogues; yet, he masterfully stirs up strong emotions in the viewer.

C Aswath’s original music has a rustic, offbeat feel; courtesy: the mélange of unconventional instruments he uses in his orchestra. The editing, camerawork and sound effects are adequate.

Vijay Raghavendra as Kotra is BRILLIANT; little wonder then that he won the national award for his portrayal. Sunder Raj, Pramila Joshai, Umashree, Karibasavaiah and others, all accomplished actors, have all lent able support. But, the standout supporting performance is that of HG Dattatreya, who shines in his small, impactful role. Thespian Vishnuvardhan too shows up in a cameo.

I rate this social drama: 8.0 on 10!