EMBODIMENT OF DEVOTION AND DETACHMENT

It is said that ‘asceticism’ is not only about you owning nothing, but also about nothing owning you― a precept that is deep and profound in its philosophical content!

Akka Mahadevi is a great ascetic from the 12^th Century CE, who rejected all material possessions and renounced worldly attachments. Belonging to the Lingayat sect, she is a prominent poet of Kannada literature and inspirational woman in the history of Karnataka.

Her works include vachanas (literally ‘speech’), which represent a unique form of mystical and devotional poetry that chronicles pithily her experiences on the path towards Divinity and in the pursuit of enlightenment. Vachanas use simple, sincere language; but, they entail great intellectual rigor and philosophical fervor.

“ಶಿವಯೋಗಿ ಅಕ್ಕಮಹಾದೇವಿ” (‘Shivayogi Akkamahadevi’) is a 1987 Kannada movie on the life of the great saint and literary giant, who opted for a path of spirituality during a time of political strife and social reform.

The daughter of Nirmal Shetty (Doddanna), Mahadevi (Usha) was born in Udutadi Village of Shivamogga District. She was initiated into the Shaiva tradition at an early age. Enamoured by young Mahadevi’s beauty, the local Jain king, Kaushika (Uday Huttinagadde) seeks her hand in wedlock. Mahadevi accepts it conditionally. The king, though, violates the terms laid down; as a consequence, Mahadevi relinquishes the material world and sets out on a path of a spiritual discovery, leading the life of a nomadic poet-saint.

Mahadevi’s free-thinking, non-conformist way of life caused ample anguish to and extreme distress in the conservative society of the time. But, contemporary saints, such as Basavanna and Allamaprabhu, recognized her as an enlightened soul and bestowed the honorific title of ‘Akka’ (‘Elder Sister’) upon her. Scholars consider her an icon and symbol of female emancipation.

Director Chandrahasa has created a veritable gem of a biopic― the story-telling maintains biographic purity and historical authenticity of the period. On the technical front, the film is striking in its simplicity. Mysore Ananthaswamy’s music, some set to Akka Mahadevi’s vachanas, is melodious...and, soulful.

Usha has delivered a POWERFUL performance in the lead role; no wonder then that the rendition won her the State award. Rajanand, Doddanna, Uday Huttinagadde, and others have supported well.

On the whole, the flick celebrates the extraordinary life of an extraordinary poet-philosopher.

I rate this biopic: 8.5 on 10!