INNOCENCE LOST AT THE ALTAR OF LUST

It has been said that ‘to vice, innocence must seem like a kind of trickery’. At times though, when innocence collides with hard reality, the result is a tragedy.

“ಧರ್ಮ ದಾರಿ ತಪ್ಪಿತು”― ‘Dharma Daari Tappitu’, which translates to: ‘Righeousness Lost (its) Way’― is a 1982 Kannada film which has a theme of ‘the ingenuous meets the devious’. Critics appreciated the movie, which won a few state awards too.

Narsaiah (MV Vasudeva Rao) works as the caretaker of a traveler’s bungalow. Though afflicted with a speech disorder, his young daughter, Putti (Jayanthi) is grace, charm and beauty personified. Endowed with a captivating smile, she has a childlike innocence about her. Krishna (Shankar Nag), a physically challenged young man, dreams of marrying Putti. Guests at the inn too find Putti attractive.

One stormy night, Putti is sexually attacked during a power outage. Unable to scream, she fails to ward off the assault. The lodgers that fateful evening include Ratnakara (Srinath), a rich man; Nityananda Chakrapani (Shivaram), a conman; and, Indudhar (Chandrashekar), an unemployed youth among others.

So then, who is the rapist? That makes for the rest of this delicate, touching drama, which has dirge, dolor and death in it.

Bandaru Giribabu has directed this drama with some acuity. His narration sticks to the bare essentials. Devoid of verbose dialogues and elaborate sequences, the screenplay is mundane, almost banal. Yet, the drama created is a compelling watch. Set to Narendra Babu’s lyrical compositions, the musical score of Ramesh Naidu is soft and minimalistic.

The ensemble cast of Shankar Nag, MV Vasudeva Rao, Srinath, Shivaram, Chandrashekar, Uma Shivakumar and others has done a half-decent job. The film though belongs to Jayanthi, who won the state award for her portrayal of the ‘innocent-reticent’ Putti. Jayanthi emotes with her expressive eyes like few can. And oh, her smile! It can light up any room like a thousand candles.

The big picture of the flick: Innocence and idealism make a bad combo!

I rate this courtroom drama: 7.5 on 10!

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