Film: Shabari, Producer: Batavi Films, Director: Orata Sri, Music: B.R. Hemanth Kumar, Cinematography: Samrat Nagaraj, Cast: Samarth, Krithika Gowda, Yogesh Veer, Prakash, Mandya Siddu, Seetha Harshavardhana, Kota Chinnaiah, M.K. Matha and others.
Kannada filmmaker Sri, known for Orata, takes a sentimental journey with Shabari, a film that places a jeep at the centre of its narrative. The trio of producers from Baravi Films has backed an emotional subject featuring several newcomers.
Titled Shabari, the film follows the life of Rama, whose world takes an unexpected turn after he loses his parents and his wife, Seetha. His obsessive attachment to a jeep becomes the driving force behind the story, with the vehicle eventually becoming entangled in three significant lives.
Rama, the son of Bettappa, continues his father’s profession but has just one ambition in life: to own a jeep that is in the possession of the village chieftain. His father eventually fulfils this dream when a special oil he prepares cures the ailment of a wealthy man.
However, at the interval point, the jeep falls into the hands of another village leader. Rama’s father had sold it for a handsome price to meet the expenses of his wife’s cancer treatment.
Just when Rama is delighted at the prospect of getting his beloved jeep back during a wedding, an unexpected turn of events shatters his happiness. Disheartened, he leaves his village with the jeep, selling his property to fund his journey.
Rama then moves ahead like a nomad, until a cute little girl named Shabari, who has been kidnapped for ransom, becomes his travelling companion. What happens next forms the interesting second half of the film.
Samarth makes his debut as Rama and has clearly worked hard to deliver a convincing performance. The female lead has limited screen presence, while talented actor Ninasam Ashwath is not utilised to his full potential. Baby Dhanvi emerges as a central attraction in the second half, adding strength to the narrative.
The music by B.R. Hemanth Kumar offers a few pleasant numbers. Songs such as Devaraane Ishta Kane, Thangali Bisuthide, Uliyoru Aliyoru Yaaro and Thandani Thaana make a good impression. Cinematographer Samrat Nagaraj deserves appreciation for the film’s pleasing visuals, which make it a treat for the eyes.
The first half would have benefited from tighter editing, as some portions could have been trimmed to improve the pace. Nevertheless, Shabari picks up momentum in the second half and offers an emotional journey worth experiencing once.
Verdict: Despite its slow first half, Shabari finds strength in its emotional core and a more engaging second half, making it a film worth watching once.
