KARKI Nanu BA LLB – Producer: Third Eye Media Prakash Palani, Direction: Pavithran, Cinematography: Rishikesh, Music: Arjun Janya, Cast: Jayaprakash, Meenakshi, Sadhu Kokila, Swathi, Joe Simon, and others.
Although this week one of the half a dozen releases in Kannada, Karki is a remake of the 2018 Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal – it is a passable film that gives a good feel to the evil-doers in the name of caste. The senior director from Tamil films, Pavithran, has shown his skill by giving a beautiful narration, and at the climax point, between the two glasses of coffee, a flower landing explains that good wins over evil forces! Prakash Palani, as producer, has lent all possible support for this film, and the content is what compelled him, it seems.
The protagonist Muthuraj says, “Ellivaregu Neevu Neevagiralvo Naavu Nayiyagirbeku ankothiro” – nothing changes in society. The oppressed class Muthuraj, played by Jayaprakash, telling upper caste Bala Rajwadi, brings down the curtain in the cinema halls.
Although it is a six-year-old subject, to Kannada audiences, nothing has changed in society, making this film very apt, and the narration, almost the same from Tamil film to Kannada, gives a compelling watch for the proceedings.
Muthuraj, hailing from Kesanur village from an oppressed caste, makes it to the Law College, and it is his promise to his grandfather that at least one from the lower caste should represent strongly.
In the college, Muthuraj (Jayaprakash) befriends Jo, a bright student who teaches him English. At the same time, Jo alias Jothilakshmi (Meenakshi) falls in love with Muthuraj for his innocence and past tragic tales. The innocence of Muthuraj is put to the test by the upper caste family members of Jo, and it becomes hard for Muthuraj to digest, but he uses his common sense in not revealing his ordeals to Jo.
The greatness of Muthuraj becomes a solid test for the upper caste family members, and finally, Jo’s father decides to meet Muthuraj. This conversation becomes very important, also for the film’s climax.
Jayaprakash, in his debut film as the protagonist, has worked very hard. He is sincere, although his skin color does not suit the role he plays. Meenakshi as Jo has a tremendous career ahead because of her skills and innocence.
The role of Bala Rajwadi is very strong, and his dialogue delivery is a trump card. The killer role character in the village, who even tries to finish off Muthuraj, has done good justice to his role.
Swathi as teacher, Joe Simon as principal, and Sadhu Kokila as a friend of Muthuraj have given ample support to the film.
There are two touching songs in the background from Arjun Janya, and cinematographer Rishikesh has done commendable work throughout the film.
Those who still believe in the caste system should watch this film, and there is a strong dose in the end for such people.
