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...

The roots, not branches, are a tree's greatest strength. So too the ancestral roots of every family, some may argue. The American philosopher, Emerson even went on to claim, rightly so, 'thought' is the 'ancestor of every action' .  “ ವಂಶ ವೃಕ್ಷ”  (Vamsha V riksha, meaning “G enealogical  Tree”), is a 1972 National Film Award winning Kannada film, which explores how ancestry plays a role in familial life...and, thought too, as the precursor to action, shaping who we are and determining what we do. The flick explores actions that are often deemed taboo and the contours of societal relationships. Perpetual human desire to seek marital bliss and material pleasure is put under the scanner. Based on the literary giant, S. L. Bhyrappa 's novel of the same name, the movie is set in the 1920s. Kathyayani (LV Sharada), a widow living with her in-laws along with her four-year old son, decides to pursue her undergraduate studies. Kathyayani's father-in-law and eru...