– Chetan Nadiger
Film: Karki
Producer: Prakash Palani
Director: Pavithran
Starring: JP Reddy, Meenakshi, Bala Rajawadi, Sadhu Kokila and others
A lot of films have been made on inequality and oppression of the lower castes. Most of the films are neither preachy nor violent. This week’s release ‘Karki’ is a film with the same theme. But is neither preachy nor violent, but a dignified tale of harsh realities of caste discrimination.
‘Karki’ tells the story of Muttatti Mutturaj (JP Reddy), a law student who aspires to be a lawyer to fight against the atrocities against lower caste people. He meets Jyothi Mahalakshmi (Meenakshi) an upper-class girl at the college, who helps him learn English. The friendship becomes strong and Jyothi invites him to her sister’s wedding. Unaware of the societal barriers between them, Muttu attends the wedding. What all Muttu faces there and how does Muttu’s life changes from there forms the crux of the film.
‘Karki’ is the remake of Tamil film ‘Pariyerum Perumal’ directed by Mari Selvaraj. Senior Tamil director Pavithran brings the tale with a few changes to Kannada. The film is a brilliant portrayal of harsh realities of caste discrimination and oppression of the lower castes. The film tells how a lower caste individual is treated in rural areas even now and how he fights back with optimism. One of the highlights is, the film is not too preachy or does not give moral lessons on caste discrimination, but tells a tale in a more subtle way. The climax dialogue is the whole soul of the film and is one of the highlights of the film.
The film sure has its own share of flaws. However, it can be ignored because of a good content and a strong message. The film succeeds in that. JP Reddy gives a notable performance as Muttu. Meenakshi looks cute and has done her bit. Bala Rajwadi and Sadhu Kokila gives ample support to the lead actors. Technically, there is nothing much to boast of.
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