Kantara - The mystery of how it was envisioned !

In my note abt Vikrant Rona, when I commented abt the traditions and culture of the coastal belt of Karnataka, I did not expect to be hit with another movie, which blends the traditions and beliefs of the people of the region with a story line (some would call it simple) involving human greed, ego clash, land ownership, casteism,human & nature co-existence, with a sprinkling of romance, humour and action. The result is a compelling movie going experience which not only entertains, but enthralls you for the duration of its running time. 

 For someone from the region, its so gratifying to watch your traditions being included so seamlessly in to the story, which not only provides a glimpse in to these beliefs and customs to others and the current generation who are unaware, but also firms up the long standing conviction of the people of the region on the power and the generosity of the Daivas and the Bhootas. To do it sensitively , without a cause for complaint in the current outrage ridden times is no small feat. 

For long the mainstream Kannada movies were using the characters from Dakshina Kannada only for comedic effect, cartoonish and over the top accents. Its heartening to see that this is changing. Humour is prevalent through out the movie. But its organic and not forced, comes across as how close friends trade quips and remarks. Even the off colour remarks do not feel offensive. 

The storyline from the beginning(except the prologue with its fantastical? element) feels simple and not too different from various village themed movies we often see in Tamil. A wastrel hero with a bunch of friends, quick to anger and get in to fights, a much harried mother, an officer of the law who runs in to the hero resulting in ego clash, a romantic track, people who hate the hero and waiting for an opportunity to take him down and a seemingly benevolent landlord who supports the hero. But the way the screenplay infuses the folklore, traditions and beliefs in to the seemingly run of the mill storyline elevates the movie in to a great theatrical experience.

The clash between the forest officer and the villagers is not that of a good versus evil. But that of enforcing government rules versus the age old coexistence of man and nature. The female leads dilemma when she as a forest guard has to  act against her own kin.  Machinations of local politicians to usurp the land by abusing the same age old beliefs that the villagers hold on to. 

Hero's constant nightmares and visions alluding to the past and of things to come in future. All these elements build up to an explosive climax, which in someway makes you forget the engrossing and entertaining 120 min prior to it. Very rarely you see such a climax which both thrills and scares you. And for people who believe the power of the deities of the region, its nothing short of an incarnation of their Gods on screen.

Ably supporting are the Actors,  Cinematography, Music & the Art directors who along with director Rishab give us that mysterious forest called Kantara. But the real mystery is not the forest, its how did they come up with this cinematic vision?