PROTECT LUNGS OF THE LAND TO SAVE LIFE

The Earth offers its bounty only upon faithful stewardship. The flora and fauna in forests are part of the bonanza― safeguarding the bounty requires diligent care and guardianship.

“ಗಂಧದ ಗುಡಿ” (‘Gandhada Gudi’, or ‘Temple of Sandalwood’) is a 1973 Kannada film based on the theme of forest conservation and wildlife protection― the first Indian movie to do so. The crime drama, with a conjoint domestic drama in its narrative, portrayed the rich biodiversity of the State of Karnataka. Based on MP Shankar’s story, the flick was a blockbuster hit; it was remade in Hindi (Kartavya) too. 

Kumar (Dr. Rajkumar) is a virtuous and industrious ‘range forest officer’ posted to the Nagarahole National Forest, which has a gang of lethal poachers and sandalwood smugglers operating in it. Inexplicable paranormal phenomena inside the dense jungle too are terrorizing folks in the vicinity.

Immediately after taking charge, Kumar meets Anand (Vishnuvardhan), the son of Raja Venkatappa Nayaka (Balakrishna), the affluent owner of a large plantation nearby. Anand, who is in fact the kingpin of the gang denuding the forest of its wealth, warns Kumar of the risks in the area.

As if on cue, Kumar is targeted; but, he escapes the attempt on his life. The irritable, insubordinate driver Johnny (MP Shankar)…vindictive too, adds to the chaos around… and, to Kumar’s cup of woes.

On the flip side though, Lakshmi (Kalpana), a tribal girl gets romantically involved with Kumar. He develops a special bond too with a little orphaned girl, Putti (Prema Kumari), who affords some succor to him amidst his stressful duties and onerous responsibilities.

So then, does Kumar hang on to his job with tenacity? Will he bring the poaching gang to book?

That is the plot tailored for unadulterated drama.

Piggyback riding on a tight screenplay, director Vijay has presented an entertaining end-product. There is little or no meaningless meandering in the narration. The legendary duo Rajan-Nagendra’s music direction is sublime. PB Srinivas’ soulful rendition of the title song takes every Kannadiga to ethereal levels. Technical elements are fine too. 

Matinee idols of the Kannada film industry, Dr. Rajkumar and Dr. Vishnuvardhan, as the protagonist and antagonist respectively, have delivered excellent performances. In her tribal belle role, Kalpana is typically bubbly and blabby, as is her wont. The baddies, MP Shankar, Tiger Prabhakar, Thoogudeepa Srinivas, Shakti Prasad and Balakrishna are sinister enough in their roles. Narasimharaju provides comic relief. Other veterans like Sampath, Advani Lakshmi Devi, B Jaya, etc., are convincing too.

I rate this crime drama: 8.5 on 10!