BATTLE OF PRINCIPLES VERSUS PRIVILEGES

“The aim of education is the knowledge…,” observed William Inge, the Pulitzer-Prize-winning, American novelist and playwright, “…not of facts, but of values.” Many more have extolled how vital it is to impart the right values and virtues in children at a young age.

“ಸ್ಕೂಲ್ ಮಾಸ್ಟರ್” (‘School Master’) is a 1958 Kannada film that is a landmark in the annals of movie-making in Karnataka…umm, India! Equipped with a plot based on the English film, ‘Make Way for Tomorrow’, the domestic drama blurred the line between the offbeat and the mainstream. The movie was remade in Hindi (School Master); Telugu (Badi Panthulu); Tamil (Engal Kudumbam Perisu); and, Malayalam (School Master). Interestingly, the virtuoso Puttanna Kanagal directed the Malayalam version. A musical blockbuster, the flick was a ‘super-duper hit’ in multiple languages.

Ranganna (BR Panthulu), an honest, humble teacher, but a strict disciplinarian, takes over as head master of a school in a small town. The school building is dilapidated; its teachers indifferent; its students undisciplined…and, the local community antagonistic.

High on integrity, Ranganna perseveres sincerely to set things in order. He soon wins the patronage of the parents too. Diligently he inculcates a sense of purpose and passion in the children. With empathy and understanding, he reforms even the unruliest of students― one among them is Police Superintendent Vasu (Shivaji Ganesan).

But then, Ranganna gets embroiled inevitably in the local politics. His wife, Seetha (MV Rajamma), is a pillar of strength and support for him…and, that helps Ranganna tide over many crises, which crop up with metronomic periodicity.

Years roll by. Ranganna’s children― two sons and a daughter― complete their education, get married and move out leaving an empty nest behind. Ranganna too retires. With very little savings of his own, the upright teacher has a tough time making both ends meet; consequently, Ranganna and Sita move in with the sons and get isolated from each other.

The irreverent sons though ill-treat their parents. Yet, the elderly couple cope with the less-than-dignified treatment meted out to them. They try to find joy and solace without each other’s companionship.

That is when Vasu, the enfant terrible, comes to their rescue.

Doyen BR Panthulu’s direction of this poignant tale is DELECTABLE! He has dexterously harnessed the innate power of the medium in the dramatization to disseminate the right message in society…perhaps with the intent to shape it subliminally. He has of course stamped his class with narration that is tender and touching.

TG Lingappa’s film score is awesome. The album has about several tracks― some of which are evergreen, melodious classics. The technical elements are rudimentary; yet, there is an irresistible charm and appeal to that simplicity.

In the lead role, BR Panthulu is FABULOUS. He is surely the quintessence of nuanced, intense and refined theatrics. Balakrishna, MV Rajamma, B Saroja Devi, Dikki Madhava Rao, Udaykumar, Narasimharaju and others have put in fine performances. Superstar Shivaji Ganesan impresses in his cameo.

I rate this socio-domestic drama: 9.0 on 10!