- Chetan Nadiger
Film: Swathi Muttina Male Haniye
Producer: Ramya
Director: Raj B Shetty
Starring: Raj B Shetty, Siri Ravikumar, Balaji Manohar, Gopalakrishna Deshapande and others
A few years back, Raj B Shetty surprised everybody with his debut film ‘Ondu Motteya Kathe’. The film was not only different in terms of the story but also the sensitive handling of the theme won him great appraisal. He again surprised everybody with his second outing ‘Garuda Gamana Vrushabha Vahana’, which was quite contrast from his debut film. Now Raj is back as an actor-writer-director with a completely different theme from his last two films.
Simply put, ‘SSMH’ is a story of a dying man who becomes friend with his counsellor shortly before his last days. The majority of the story takes place in a hospice, a facility where people who are near death are cared for and treated, helping them to be as comfortable as possible on their last days.
The film starts of with Prerana (Siri Ravikumar), a counsellor in a hospice called Ashraya. Her life has become very routine with doing household chores and preparing her patients for death. Her personal life is shattered with her husband having an extra marital affair. Prerana doesn’t fight it or is sad about it and handles it maturely. Life goes on like this, until Aniketh (Raj B Shetty) who is suffering from gastrointestinal cancer arrives at the hospice. They slowly become friends and how Aniketh makes Prerana understand what life is the crux.
‘SSMH’ is the best film of Raj B Shetty till date. This time, tries to tell a complex matter in a simple yet appealing style. The film talks about death love, life, maturity, grief, happiness and what not. The way Raj brings in all these smoothly into his story and makes them appealing to the audience is what the highlight of the film is. Raj gives the example of a Jasmine plant and compares it to the life. Just like how the plant blossoms for itself and not for others, he conveys that life should be fulfilling and satisfying for the individual and not for others.
Raj B Shetty clearly knows what he wants to convey through this film. The writing is very good and the film has indeed come up to the same level. He has not added an extra shot or expression and the film is just intact. The timing, performances, mood, background music makes the audience glued to their seats.
Performance wise, Raj has seen to it that it comes in a natural way. All the actors including himself are quite natural and have performed subtly. Cinematography and editing by Praveen Sriyan, Mithun Mukundan’s music are the highlights of the film. The mood and the background music make your eyes wet. Actress Ramya must also be appreciated for producing a meaningful film in her first venture.
Amongst all the films released off late, ‘Swathi Muttina Male Haniye’ is a soulful journey. Don’t miss it.
