Latest Kannada Films

"Shakhahaari" and "Shivamma Yarehanchinala"

Ever since the high-profile Darshan’s case has become the talk of the media, people are literally glued to their phones eagerly awaiting the turn of events. To borrow Milton’s quote, I must butcher it severely: “The media can make an issue out of nothing, and the media can make an issue into nothing.” Amidst this chaos, the entire cinema industry is receiving a blow, especially for those debut filmmakers. The two movies that I have in the fold are both Kannada movies – “Shakhahaari” and “Shivamma Yarehanchinala”. The former directed by Sandeep Sunkad and the latter by Jaishankar Aryar.

Although “Shakhahaari” was released in the theatres in February, the film made its entry on OTT only recently. Starring Rangayana Raghu as Subbanna Bhat in the lead, the movie revolves around an unmarried middle-aged common man who runs a small hotel in a village and occasionally participates in theatre to keep his penchant for acting alive. The story takes a turn when a stranger, shot in the leg by the police, takes shelter in Subbanna’s house. The goodwill of Subbanna surfaces and we see him sheltering the accused. However, very soon, the plot thickens when the accused dies, and disposing his body becomes one of the biggest concerns for Subbanna. In the loop, we have Subbanna’s love story, not so overtly displayed, yet a few seconds of scenes here and there, comes to relieve the tension of the story. The feat gets a tad interesting when the life of a police gets the highlight and who eventually finds himself in Subbanna’s situation. The story, for a debutant is quite impressive; however, the art of filmmaking needs more learning and requires efficient scene settings and shots.

“Shivamma Yarehanchinala” is a feature film that is running in the theatres now. Set in a small village in Uttara Karnataka, we journey through Shivamma’s life as an ordinary villager trying to make some money for herself. The film shows grittiness, and an un-surrendering spirit of Shivamma who has fallen prey to a Ponzi scheme through the purchase and selling of an energy powder, The movie commences with an uncomplicated setup of the village where we see women doing their morning exercises to keep themselves fit. In a manner, the film sheds light on the fact that it is the women of the village who are seen busying themselves with household chores and other work, while the men are seen sleeping away or sitting in groups and whiling away the time. Interwoven with the regular speeches of Uttara Karnataka, the comic angle arises effortlessly. The film is a tale of Shivamma and her obstinate nature to make it big for herself is the crux. Leaving the film open-ended is more for alternative conclusions, rather than critiquing the debutant director.

These were some of the latest Kannada movies that could be given a chance.