Chitra Varga

Someone said: “ A strong woman stands up for herself; a stronger woman stands up for everybody else. ” True! Strong women stand up for gender equality and justice too.   “ ಕಾನೂರು ಹೆಗ್ಗಡತಿ ” (‘ Kanooru Heggadithi ’ , which translates to: ‘ Headwoman of Kanooru’ ) is a 1999 Kannada movie that narrates the story of women in a feudal family and patriarchal society during the pre-independence era. Based on a novel penned by renowned Jnanpith-awardee, Dr. Kuvempu, the flick recreates the customs, couture and culture of the period faithfully. A visual treat, the film found critical appeal and approval; it won a host of awards too. The movie takes you back to early 20 th Century when British imperialism was waning, even as patriotic and nationalistic fervor was waxing. Inspired by Indian leaders; influenced by the call to freedom; and, with idealism for impetus, the educated youth had begun to rise against feudalism and patriarchy in society. Hoovayya (Suchendra Prasad) is a libera...

They say a home is where love, hope and dreams start. Of course, those sentiments are amplified when the home is self-owned. That in turn is predicated on the purchase of a home. “ ಯಾರಿಗೂ ಹೇಳ್ಬೇಡಿ ” (‘ Yarigoo Helbedi ’, which means: ‘ Do Not Tell Anyone ’) is a 1994 Kannada comedy, which has been accorded ‘ cult ’ status over the years. Set in the 1990s, the film has the middle-class aspiration of home ownership for its core plot. The movie was a mediocre success commercially; it did gain critical approval though. It has since been remade in Tulu. Champa (Vanitha Vasu), the only daughter and heiress apparent of a rich man (Shivaram), works in a travel agency. Govinda (Anant Nag), a glib-slick operator, woos Champa; he wants to wed her also. But, Champa’s father insists that he’ll consent only if the suitor, asking for her hand, owns a residential plot. So Govinda hatches an ingenious plot to cheat gullible folks of their money by deceptively promising to get residential site...

Adam Smith, the Scottish pioneer of Political Economics, observed: “The real tragedy of the poor is the poverty of their aspirations.” But, he perhaps forgot that often aspirational poverty is itself a product of personal finances, familial compulsions and societal structure. “ ಪ್ರವಾಹ ” (‘ Pravāha ’, which means ‘ Flood ’) is a 2004 Kannada film, which explores the link between rural poverty and urban influx. It also delves into the exploitation of the under-privileged and the reasons for rapid urbanization. The social drama found favour with critics; it won awards and garnered accolades too. Marappa (Achyuth Kumar), a village potter, is in the clutches of local loan-sharks and landlords. He struggles to eke out a living with his hereditary profession, because the demand for his clayware is on the wane. In the ebb and flow of life, Marappa’s wife, Ramakka (Mangala) and son, Siddarama (Rohith Bhat) also bear the brunt of penury. Marappa’s traditional craft of pottery too is on th...

Many believe religious conversion is a scourge in civil society. But, when crime and coercion drive the conversion attempt, it turns into a monstrous menace plaguing mankind. “ ದಾಟು ” (‘ Daatu’ , which means ‘Crossing’ ) is a 2009 Kannada movie about social orthodoxy, which tramples upon and truncates the rights of women. Based on Mysore Ashwatha’s short story, ‘ Dharmakonda ’, the critically-acclaimed drama makes you reflect on the mental trauma of subjects of forcible conversion, not to mention the social stigma attached to women who are abducted and assaulted. Annappa (Rajesh) is the tax collector of a place called Dharmakonda. His pious, loving wife, Sharada (Roopa Iyer), a beauty in the classical mold, is held in high esteem by one and all in the local community. Sharada is prudent in her words; compassionate in deeds; and progressive in thought. She personifies humanistic values too. While cleaning the puja room at home, Sharada unwittingly opens a cloth bundle to find a pair o...

Political economist John Stuart Mill said, “He who does anything because it is a custom, makes no choice.” As much biting ‘n barbed that observation is as it is sharp and sagacious! “ ಘಟಶ್ರಾದ್ಧ ” (‘ Ghatashraddha’ , which means: ‘( The) Ritual’ ) is a 1977 Kannada flick about the customary ostracism of a widow by a society shrouded in orthodoxy…all because of her carnal indiscretions. Based on a novella penned by eminent author and Jnanpith Awardee, UR Ananthamurthy, the drama is a landmark in the ‘Parallel Cinema’ movement of India. Set in the early 20 th Century, the flick no doubt belongs to a glorious era of ‘neo-realism’ in the Kannada film industry. Critics went gung-ho over the movie, which sent juries into raptures too. Little wonder then that it won worldwide acclaim and a spate of awards, including the national award for Best Feature Film. Udupa ( Ramaswamy Iyengar) teaches the Hindu scriptures in his rickety, ramshackle school, which is passing through difficult times...