The Hindu : Karnataka News : Down to globalisation

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Aug 27, 2007
ePaper

Karnataka

Karnataka

Down to globalisation

Film: Maathad Mathadu Mallige (Kannada)

Cast: Vishnuvardhan, Sudeep, Mandya Ramesh, Tara

Director: Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar

Maathad Mathadu Mallige opens with a group of farmers “lampooning” President George Bush and his anti-people polices over their morning kaapi at a modest village eatery. In less capable hands it would ha ve looked ludicrous but director Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar successfully registers the collective outlook against globalisation while setting the stage for his narrative.

The plot deepens on two planes. On one hand it delineates the vicissitudes of a serene and organic rural society —Jenu Koppa. On the other, it is also the saga of a floriculturist Hoovaiah who struggles to protect his village and his subsequent triumphs over evil forces.

The film asserts that social justice can be achieved through Gandhian values, collective will and judicial discretions and not through violence. However, the film also exposes the vulnerability of Nagathihalli in integrating and balancing the social and human sides of the tale convincingly.

Exquisite locales, striking visuals, cutting dialogues and a brisk narrative pace sustain audience interest to some extent. But contrived and farcical situations, commercial compulsions and perorations on the plight of farmers come in the way of a seamless narration.

Vishnuvardhan as Hoovaiah deserves attention. Mandya Ramesh as an alcoholic English-speaking critic of U.S. policies and Sudeep as the leader of an outfit that believes in violence steal the show.

K.N. VENKATASUBBA RAO

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka