Karnan - A Masterpiece

 


I fell in love with Mari Selvaraj's previous film Peruam Perumal, It is also available on Amazon Prime. Dhanush involvement in Selvaraj's project raises the scale of it but the core of the premise doesn't have to adjust to his star value. Presence of Dhanush provided the beautiful platform and scale to Selvaraj where he can creatively express himself.  And the result is Karnan which compelled me to write this blog. 

PLOT

The film focuses on village of Pudiakalam considered a wasteland for some but home for others. People of village understand and are pragmatic towards the structure of society and inequalities that come with it. They acknowledge the unfair treatment by the neighboring village. There is a simmering anger within them and they are on the edge. The movie then explore the manifestations of that rage beautifully. I realize that movie review are of the film and not about it. I will stop here with the plot. 

Visuals

What  struck me the most about Karnan is the ability to say so much with its visuals. animals form a huge part of Karnan's universe. They provides a commentary on existence of humans, like the dynamic between the predator and prey as denoted by eagle and a helpless chick. an equation that is more or less the essence of the film.  Another is a donkey in the village front legs bound by a rope so it doesn't escape, more or less like the existence of marginalized sections of the society they can move but they still find themselves in shackles.  There will be several images of god that village prays to and a masked presence that act as a conscience as an humble reminder to the population to exactly know the horror they have sustained. 

It has so many references which I would love to dive deep in long conversation with someone. But it is something to experience. 

Verdict

I was totally hooked into this film the music and lyrics(even reading from the subtitles) cannot be skipped. The cast of the film is stupendous. What can someone say about Dhanush which already hasn't been shared. His ability to stand out in every film is a testament to his talent. Danush's Karnan is an image of hope and defiance. 

I found myself weeping in the conclusion of this film. Karnan is a masterpiece according to me. A film you just have to watch at an instant.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DIZZY

Image
There are nearly 7 billion people on the planet, and we get time only to be friends with approximately 30 of them. As you can see the choice is really tough. But you came across as someone I need to know come what may. I will be honest, when I met you, you are little too unsure of yourself, A little too weird even by my standard. It took me a while to realize how amazing and smart you are. I ignored your values as rigidity I resented your love as licentiousness. I overlook your courage as brashness. But I am proud to say that despite of my narrow mindedness I get a chance to know you better. People like me are convinced that nothing can be done and we cannot overcome our circumstances. And most of us are oblivious of the fact that our circumstances are outcome of our thoughts and that our mind in itself have ability make heaven of hell, and a hell of a heaven. The universe isn’t evil it is just indifferent and it will remain so.  But you my dear are always aware an
Read more

Micchami Dukkadam

Image
  Rituals Without Purpose I had a basic problem with any kind of rituals is they often adrift from the context. Be it modern world ritual of saying sorry or traditional ritual of touching feet.  Consequence: A hollow sorry or disrespectful feet touching.  Our ancient religions it seems are ardent believers  of second chances be it use of gangajal to wash sins or Micchami Dukkadam or shama yachna for washing harsh words, deeds or actions.  These ritual to a layman with bit of common sense like me looks like they are systematic opportunity provided to human beings to start afresh.  I can say for sure the purpose can't be to tell you keep doing what you are doing and just say micchami dukkadam at the year end. It is a window to introspect, it is a rewind button.  Practice in  Reality  When i talk to fellow Jains they often ask did you kept fast. I did two he did three fast etc.As if it is competition to show your patriotism towards your religion. I wanted to laugh at this but end up b
Read more

Content is King

Image
   There are many fine movies I watched during lock down from various states of the country and I think it is my prerogative to recommend them so that you can experience their craft too.  1. NATSAMRAT         Totally heartbreaking Marathi film that I witnessed on Netflix . This movie is not only story telling at its finest but showcased some of the best career performances. Starring Nana Patekar and directed by Mahesh Manjrekar. Before I rave about what I love about this film I wanted to talk about how we have this perception that when actors are not working actively in Hindi movies they are not creatively stimulated or not doing profound work.  Natsamrat is story of famous theater actor Ganpatram  who retire from theater to spend more time with family. Natsamrat is heart breaking tale of man who was once a celebrated artist and now seems to feel out of place. Its a acting masterclass by Nana Patekar. The story is not about the the ungratefulness of the children but about a man who wan
Read more