Sharanamma Chetty in ‘Shivamma’ | Photo Credit: Rishab Shetty Films/YouTube
jaishankar aryar Shivamma Yarehanchinala, The film, which has won several awards at film festivals across the world, was also an audience favourite at the recently held Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFF). The organisers added extra shows and the last few screenings of the film saw huge crowds jostling for seats.
Given this reputation, it is ironic that Shivamma Yarehanchinala, Produced by Rishab Shetty, This film is less of a festival film and more of an entertainer for the masses. The story does not require you to read between the lines. This film is not driven by technical mastery. Instead, Shivamma Yarehanchinala It is an entertaining comedy with a unique story, elevated by simple drama and subtle humor.
The film begins with a group of village women wearing saris jogging and exercising. The scene is meant to evoke laughter, but you feel the need for these housewives to stay physically fit in the very next scene when you see the men of the village who are lazy or unhealthy, putting the burden of household chores on the women.
Shivamma (Sharanamma Chetty) is different from the rest. Of course, she works hard to take care of her ailing husband, college-going son and a daughter who is about to get married. But unlike the other women in her village, she is ambitious about her personal growth. Her upbeat attitude convinces her to take up a job other than her regular job as a cook in a government school.
Shivamma (Kannada)
Director: jaishankar aryar
Mould: Sharanamma Chetty, Shivu Abbegere, Chennamma Abbegere, Shruthi Kondenhalli
Runtime: 106 minutes
Plot: Shivamma, a poverty-stricken woman, invests her money in network marketing business to make quick money, not aware of the risks that come with her decision
Shivamma joins a direct selling business (a Ponzi scheme) and starts selling a healthy drink which, according to its makers, has the potential to miraculously solve several health problems. Shivamma’s desire to earn big money through risky business is similar to that of people living in big cities who try their luck in several ventures for a little extra money. It is impressive how the film proves through Shivamma that obsession is not an urban quality.
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A lot of funny incidents ensue as Shivamma shows her confidence. The dialogues in particular are hilarious; see how she says that this drink cures all ailments, from diabetes to gastritis and hair loss.
Sivamma’s marketing abilities are another impressive trait. She convinces her friends to buy the drink by citing the example of her husband, who, thanks to the shake, “went from being almost dead to now being healthy enough to sit up and walk.” Her relentless attitude inspires her to learn English, and encourages her friends to buy the product by saying the company’s slogan “I’ll do it.”
A scene from ‘Shivamma’. | Photo Credit: Rishab Shetty Films/YouTube
Jaishankar doesn’t take a stand on direct marketing. He is more keen to understand the nature of the business in depth. This film is more character-driven than plot-driven, and apart from Jaishankar’s writing, Sharanamma Chetty’s acting makes you root for her character. When her career suffers, when she is humiliated by her relatives, when she gets caught in a debt trap, and when she reaches a point of no return, you expect Shivamma to emerge stronger.
Jaishankar had earlier made two short films Shivamma Yarehanchinala These were simple, relatable stories involving non-actors. He explores one such world through his debut feature film and emerges a winner.
Sivamma Yarehanchinala is currently running in theatres
