THE SUCKER PUNCH OF KARMA

Karma, it’s said, is like a boomerang─ you get what you give.  A great leveler, it does take some pushing and prodding at times though.

“ಬಯಸದೇ ಬಂದ ಭಾಗ್ಯ” (‘Bayasade Banda Bhagya’, which translates to: ‘Undesired Fortune’), is a 1977 Kannada film that has karmic circularity for its theme. Based on a story penned by Tamil writer, Bala Murugan, the flick has a somewhat banal ‘bridging the rich-poor divide’ plot about equality, which quibbling film pundits are sure to nitpick on. Nonetheless dandy dialogues, packed to the hilt with dramatic content, makes it delightful watch.

Ramu (Vishnuvardhan), a driven ‘n diligent student, albeit impoverished, cherishes dreams of becoming a collector. He is steadfast in his belief that one should be goal-oriented in life. His bosom friend, Lakshmana (Ram Gopal) is a privileged guy, given to a life of opulence and plenitude.

Assertive Shanti (Manjula) and arrogant Geetha (Sri Lalitha) are respectively the daughters of a poor farmer and a rich landlord. Constant bickering aside, they are good buddies despite the contrasting familial antecedence. Soon the friends though have fallouts, courtesy sharp shifts and switches in the storyline.

The rest of the film is about the film chugging along towards the inevitable climax…of upward mobility towards fame ‘n fortune for the Ramu-Shanti duo; and, the downward spiral of doom ‘n distress for the other pair.

Despite the sparks of excellence that director R. Ramamurthy shows, the cheesy yarn does evoke a few yawns. Chi. Udaya Shankar jazzes up the conflict onscreen with subtle dialogues that showcase social friction, thwarted desires and interpersonal strife; no spittle-sequined delivery either by the actors. 

The mesmerizing music of Rajan-Nagendra is a highlight too. The camerawork is passable and the editing could have been sharper.

Thespian Vishnuvardhan has given a superlative performance as the male protagonist. Manjula’s rendition as a woman with high self-esteem is equally good. The supporting cast of Ram Gopal, Sri Lalitha, Shivaram, Dinesh, Papamma, Indira Devi, Joker Shyam are up to the task. 

The takeaway: One has to be patient with Karma…it works, but needs time.

I rate this social drama: 7.0 on 10!

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