A DRIVE TO THE DEAD-END OF DEATH

Crime, as someone said, is as much a condition as an intention. Indeed it is the culmination of the intentions of the criminal; and, a reflection of the conditions within the community.

“ಸ್ಲಂ ಬಾಲ” (‘Slum Bala’) is a 2008 Kannada film about the police-politician nexus and crime-corruption locus within society. Based on Agni Sridhar’s novel, ‘Daadaagiriya Dinagalu’, the critically-acclaimed flick narrates the story of gangster Vinayaka Bala, a hired gun on the payroll of powerful politicos.

Balakrishna (Vijay), or, Bala, for short, is a ‘rowdy-sheeter’ in the crosshairs of the police authorities. Origins from an urban ghetto earn the nickname ‘Slum Bala’ for the notorious gangster. Police Inspector Shantaram (Shashikumar) banishes the brawny, bit-of-a-bonehead Bala from Bengaluru as a precautionary measure for ensuring violence-free elections.

So, Slum Bala sets out to Mumbai and gets hired as a dance-bar bouncer. He even gets romantically involved with Mallige (Shubha Poonja), a dancer. Soon Bala and his buddy, Razak (Sathya) are lured into returning to Bengaluru― a conspiracy to eliminate rivals of a devious, domineering politician, Prasad Nayak (B Suresha).

Bala succeeds in bumping off Cable Manja (Dharma), an influential leader and local cable operator. After the hit, he begins to harbor vivid dreams of taking over Cable Manja’s business and settling down in life with Mallige. On his part, Prasad wins the assembly election and gets elevated as a minister in the government.

So, does Bala get to lead a life of dignity…on the right side of law?

D Sumana Kittur in her directorial debut has fared commendably. Exploitation of vile and naïve hoodlums is brought out with nuance. The creative content is as realistic as it is refined.

Agni Shridhar’s screenplay underlines the soft, humane personae of killers, while not cutting them any slack for their rabid ruthlessness. The story-telling though showcases substantial sympathy for thugs, who are depicted as having fallen prey to the vagaries of destiny; idiosyncrasies of their kingpin; and, circumstances in society.

Music director Arjun’s work is remarkable; his compositions are pleasing on the ear. Technically too the movie is decent.

Vijay has delivered a memorable performance. Shubha Poonja in the female lead role too is convincing. The supporting cast, comprising of veterans like B Suresha, Sathya, Achyuth Kumar, Umashri and others, too has packed power into its punch.

The crime drama shakes the viewer’s conscience; it exposes the rot and sordidness within the echelons of power, both police and political, and the cruddy connections therein with crooks and criminals.

I rate this crime drama: 7.0 on 10!