Film: “Siddaganga”; Cast: Thanmayee, Master Manoj, Ravi Chethan, Nidusaale Puttaswamaiah, Bank Janardhan, Ramesh Bhat, Veena Sundar and others; Producer: Nidasaale Puttaswamiah; Director: G. Murthy; Camera: P.K.H. Doss; Music Director: Pichchalli Sreenivas; Editor: B.S. Kemparaju; Rating: ***
Kannada film “Siddagana” cannot be categorised as a normal commercial film, though it has all the ingredients of a potboiler. The film highlights achievements of Siddaganga Mutt where more than 10,000 students from different communities study.
Director G. Murthy, who has already made award-winning films like “Kurunadu” and “Shankara Punyakoti”, has written the story and screenplay of the film that deals with the struggles of a girl to educate her younger brother.
“Thanmayee”, an established theatre artist, plays the role of the elder sister. Her father is an alcoholic who has no interest in anything in life.
In the film, when Thanmayee’s mother dies, she realised that her irresponsible has not interest in their welfare so she decides to put her brother on the right path. She takes him to Siddaganga Mutt to ensure proper education and right uprbringing for him.
Finally, the boy gets good education and a deserving job. He gets a chance to serve the people.
Murthy could have made it in a documentary format highlighting achievements of the Mutt, but he ensures a good pace for the story.
Yes, there are sequences that highlight the contribution of the Mutt, but they are not extended beyond a limit.
Another positive aspect of the film is that it has a strong message, which overemphasizes the importance of good education. Murthy ensures that the struggle of the girl and her brother is narrated interestingly.
He has also been able to get the right people for the job.
Award winning cinematographer P.K.H. Doss does a great work behind the camera. Well-known folk singer Pichchalli Sreenivas has turned composer with the film and he delivers very good songs.
B.S. Kemparaj has also done a perfect job as an editor.
Thanmayee’s performance is the highlight of the film. Master Manoj has also done a good job.
Puttaswamaiah as an alcoholic drunkard father role, while Veena Sundar as a suffering mother proves their talents.
Ramesh Bhat and Bank Janardhan have rendered justice to their respective roles.
Unfortunately, the film fans will have initial inertia to watch message-oriented offbeat films like “Siddaganga” especially when it is made without any big stars.
Yet audience’s support to such good films will enable more producers to make films with a realistic touch.
“Siddaganga” is good enough for a pleasing watch.
