Samskaravantha Kannada Movie
A well-intentioned movie like 'Samskaaravantha' shouldn't be reviewed and appraised on cinematic grounds alone, one might argue. Still, as a work of art it ought to be reviewed and assessed based on cinematic criteria too. The plot, lifted out of real life, is the highlight of the movie. But on the other side, technically and cinematically the film is rather weak.
Based on the life of Trivikrama Mahadeva, the real-life undertaker who performed the last rites for thousands of unclaimed dead bodies, 'Samskaaravantha' is in fact a film that glorifies the life of someone who lived for a cause. Mahadeva, left all alone after the death of his mother, is brought up by Krishna Thatha, an undertaker. Later Mahadeva too becomes an undertaker. He marries a mad girl Malli, out of compassion and devotes himself to his work.
He transports dead bodies first in a hand-cart and later in a horse-driven one. But when he feels that this is creating trouble to others, especially people on the roads and at traffic signals, he desires to have a closed cart. And in procuring this, he is helped out by Bhushan, a journalist.
In the meantime Malli's mental affliction wears off and she even gives birth to their two children. Years pass by. Life goes on, with Mahadeva remaining as devoted to his job as ever. His son excels in studies and does him proud. The government, as a fitting recognition to his services, decides to award him. But things are not destined to be that smooth for the dedicated undertaker. There are people who are against him. The rest of the plot unfurls from this point.
The main highlight of the film is the story that the director had chosen to narrate. It's not only touching, but gripping and hard-hitting too. The narration suits the subject. Sanketh Kashi has given a very good performance as Mahadeva, while Suchendra Prasad too is good as Bhushan. The other members of the cast too suit their respective roles.
On the technical front however, 'Samskaaravantha' fares rather poorly. The production quality is low, obviously because no commercial-minded producer would come forward and invest big money on such a subject. Music too is not up to the mark. The editing also lacks finesse.
In spite of these drawbacks, 'Samskaaravantha' is a must-see film simply because of the theme. The debutant director Parthasaarathy deserves to be appreciated for having ventured to make such a film.
