GLAMOUR OF GLOBALISATION...AND GLOOM IT BRINGS

Proponents of globalization claim that it makes communities more creative and people more prosperous. However, detractors warn that a borderless world is likely to make nations more vulnerable.

“ಭಾರತ್ ಸ್ಟೋರ್ಸ್” (‘Bharath Stores’) is a 2012 Kannada film that won widespread critical appreciation. Dealing with the impact of foreign direct investment on small businesses in the retail sector, the drama received a spate of awards, including the National Award.

Bharathi (Sudharani), a non-resident Indian, returns to Bengaluru after several years along with her husband, Sharath (Chi Gurudatt), a techie. The couple witnesses with wonderment the frenetic pace of life in the metropolis and its fast-changing skyline― courtesy: the hustle-bustle of development, chaotic traffic notwithstanding.

The first item on Bharathi’s agenda is the repayment of a loan her father had taken, to defray her marriage costs, from Govinda Shetty (HG Dattatreya), the owner of a grocery shop called ‘Bharath Stores’ in the neighborhood. Never a hardnosed, profit-centric trader, Govinda had an ethical, people-oriented approach to business.

Bharathi finds out that globalization, which had ushered in glitzy shopping malls and modish retail marts besides concomitant lifestyle changes, had driven Govinda into bankruptcy. On top, no one seems to have a clue about the gent’s whereabouts. Undeterred she begins a sincere effort to track down the man.

The story-telling then is all about how and where Bharathi finds Govinda…and in what state she finds him.

Director P Sheshadri has brilliantly woven a riveting, touching drama around the theme of socio-economic disruption. He has explored the impact of shopping chains and departmental stores on petty shops, teeny emporia and dinky boutiques.

Sheshadri’s screenplay delves into how the invasion of mall culture, with exotic displays, attractive lights and all, has bruised and battered the lives of small traders; and, depressed, damaged their finances too. Without becoming too judgmental, he contrasts gracious antiquity with rapacious modernity…given the cruel reality of a nonchalant society.

V Manohar’s music is adequate. Mahendra Simha’s camerawork is decent. BS Kemparaju’s editing could have been sharper.

On the acting front, Sudharani is SPLENDID in the lead role. HG Dattatreya though is the soul of the film; he takes the cake with a sublime rendition that gives you the blues. He is so good with his body language and facial expressions that viewers experience his emotions! Chi Gurudatt, V Manohar and others in the supporting cast are okay in their brief, marginal roles.

I rate this socio-economic drama: 7.5 on 10!