Title – CULT, Producer – Loki Cinemas, Direction – Anil Kumar, Music – Arjun Janya, Cinematography – Jagadish Wali, Cast – Zaid Khan, Rachita Ram, Malaika Vasupal, All OK, Achyuth Kumar, Rangayana Raghu, and others.
This is a film filled with variations for the urban class, with a strong message injected in the second half. When most cinegoers say that love stories are very old on the silver screen and filmmakers should move away from them, here comes Cult, a film that admires love and respects it as a ‘Devathe’, narrated through a flashback technique.
Anil Kumar, in his ninth directorial venture, has done strong homework. He knows very well the fate of routine love stories at the box office. He has struggled hard to make Cult quite different. The style, presentation, production values, and technical excellence add extra boost to the film.
‘Naan Sattha Melu Love should remain’ and ‘Nanna Neralu Ninna Mele Bilalla’ are two extreme dialogues of the handsome hunk Maddy, alias Madhava. As the screenplay progresses and characters are added, destiny has something volatile in store for the protagonist. We have heard and seen living relationships, but director Anil Kumar introduces the concept of a ‘Situation ship’ through this film.
Madhava (Zaid Khan) is immensely in love with Geetha (Malaika Vasupal), and they are inseparable at one point in time. As the studious and intelligent Madhava goes abroad for higher studies for four years, circumstances push Geetha to change her mind set. She ditches Madhava for the affluent Rahul, which obviously pushes him towards alcohol.
Maddy, the vibrant youngster goes on the wrong track despite the caution given by his friend Joy (All OK). When Maddy realizes that Geetha is driven by affluence, in a fit of anger, the situation goes out of control. At this point, Ithihasini (Rachita Ram) enters his life.
Ithihasini, a Kannada teacher and a fond daughter, faces turmoil in life due to a few issues and is also into alcohol. She is saved from disgrace by Joy, who brings her to his house, leading to a more touching narration by director Anil Kumar.
On learning Ithihasini’s past, young Maddy turns soft. On the other hand, after knowing Maddy’s past, Ithihasini brings light and a new life into him. Maddy considers Ithihasini as his ‘Devathe’, and as both progress towards love, the rest unfolds on the silver screen.
Zaid Khan, in his second film after Banaras, has shown vast improvement in his acting prowess. His action sequences are good, his dance is superb, and his dialogue delivery suits the situations well. He represents the younger generation and performs with a cool and composed mindset. With Bloody Love as the caption of the film and the portrayal of true love, Zaid Khan is accurate in his scenes.
Malaika Vasupal is a heroine of the Kannada industry with many more films to come. She is pretty, talented, and carries complete grace. Rachita Ram as Ithihasini is another treat in the film. Her looks, sacrificial nature, and the way she grooms her lover Maddy are handled very circumspectly.
Rangayana Raghu, as Ithihasini’s father, is touching, while Achyuth Kumar, as Madhava’s father, is lovely. The situations involving these two stalwart actors serve as a direct message to those who go astray. ‘Makkalu Daari Tappidaaga Appa Ammana Karulu Suttuhogodu,’ delivered by Achyuth Kumar, is indeed a fact.
Arjun Janya’s compositions are very impressive. Ayyo Shivane… is very melodious; Nav Single Ag Irodu Best… appeals to the youth; Hei Sharade… from the film Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shaale (composed by Vasuki Vaibhav) fits aptly here; and Hrudaya Kelade Beli Dhaatide… is also melodious.
Jagadish Wali provides a visual feast through his cinematography. The camera angles, even when Zaid Khan is inside a fridge, are delectable. The outdoor capture of scenic beauty is memorable in Jagadish Wali’s frames. A few minutes of trimming would have benefited Cult, as the film’s intention is good and terrific.
