Chitra Varga

The strongest are those who win battles we know little about. Indeed! “ ಫಣಿಯಮ್ಮ ” (‘ Phaniyamma ’) is a 1983 Kannada film that is based on the work of acclaimed novelist, MK Indira. The drama portrays the struggle of a widow, a victim of prejudice in a sexist, patriarchal social order. It earned abundant appreciation of critics and audiences alike. It also won a legion of state and national awards. The female protagonist, Phaniyamma  (LV Sharada), lives in a small village with her extended family shrouded in orthodoxy. Widowed at the tender age of twelve, Phaniyamma holds progressive views within a regressively ritualistic social milieu. High on courage, conviction and compassion, she even defies behavioral norms imposed. In due course, she proves to be the fulcrum within the family, thus blurring the line between Phaniyamma, the victor; and, Phaniyamma, the victim. Prema Karanth’s direction is refreshingly nuanced . She narrates discerningly and forces you to ruminate ove...

Shakespeare wrote sagaciously in his drama 'Henry IV', “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown!” That was during the medieval times when the Crown wielded supreme power. In modern democracies though, it is the political class that rules the roost. In murky politics, treachery and skulduggery of every kind is game for winning power... and, staying in power. " ಹರಕೆಯ ಕುರಿ " (' Harakeya Kuri ', which means:  'Pledged Sheep') is a 1992, National Award winnin g Kannada   film that portrays the vicious, visceral world of politics . Based on Jnanpith awardee, Chandrashekhara Kambara's novel of the same name, the political drama was critically appreciated too. The novel apparently was inspired by real-life incidents. It depicts how crooked, corrupt politicians– their shady, slimy henchmen and musclemen included– exploit common folk with threats, harassment and intimidation. The powerful thrive in choas and crime even as the powerless strive to eke...

Frederick Douglass, the great American social reformer and abolitionist, observed insighfully:  “...where any one class is made to feel that society is an organised conspiracy...neither persons nor property will be safe.” " ಸಾವಿತ್ರಿ " (' Savithri ') is a 1980 Kannada film that won widespread critical applause. Devoid of typical trappings of cinema, the social drama is based on Ranganath Shyamrao (Ram. Sha.) Lokapura's novel of the same name, which rivetingly explores caste politics and power dynamics in a village. The film portrays how innocent na ï vet é is always an easy prey to wily slickness. When the rich and mighty manipulate, are not the poor and guileless mere pawns? The narrative embraces the mundane rivalry of two mighty landlords and transforms it into the sublime on the silver screen . The story is about a young school teacher, Malleshi (HG Somashekara Rao), who gets unwittingly embroiled in the murky rivalry between two village elders, Sharanap...