A fascinating story revolves around a school teacher, who returns to village to finalise marriage arrangements. He is accompanied by his colleague who is keen to explore a 1000 years old temple. The film highlights the underlying biases in the politically unenlightened rural landscape.
The movie takes a turn when the colleague, intrigued by a stone carved elephant at the sight, tries to pass through its opening with a superstition claiming that wishes are granted to those who successfully navigate through it. However, he gets Wedged due to his large build. When the villagers discover his Muslim identity, tensions escalate, especially after a local politician exploits the situation for personal gain.
What follows is a pure dilemma: should the villagers break the ancient sculpture to save a life, or preserve their heritage and let him die? The film masterfully blends humour and suspense, but its climax loses momentum with overly long philosophical speeches that dilute the tension.
Another Movie That Released Last Friday: Jungle Mangal
It is a heartfelt love story set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 lockdown. The film follows a young couple who struggle to meet amidst strict restrictions.But, their desire to be together forces them to take risks that lead to unexpected consequences. When they finally manage to sneak out to meet in the lush green landscapes of the Western Ghats, they find themselves spotted by villagers, triggering a suspenseful escape through the wilderness. Though the film doesn’t rely on heavy plot twists, it offers an engaging blend of romance, scenic adventure, and the thrill of escape.
Love, Beliefs & Tensions: A Look at Two New Kannada Films
Set in a seemingly quiet village, Kapata Nataka Sutradhari follows a school teacher who returns home to finalize his wedding. With him is a curious colleague, eager to explore an ancient 1000-year-old temple. What begins as a cultural visit turns into a gripping social drama when the colleague, curious by a myth surrounding a carved stone elephant, attempts to pass through it—believing it grants wishes. But he gets stuck. The situation escalates when the villagers realize he is Muslim, sparking unease and division. A local politician seizes the moment to fuel the fire for his own gain. Now the village stands divided by a haunting question: should they break the precious sculpture to save a life, or preserve their heritage at the cost of his life? With moments of humour, cultural critique, and tension, the film delivers a powerful message—although its impact is somewhat blunted by a lengthy, meandering climax.
Jungle Mangal
Jungle Mangal offers a completely different experience. Set during the COVID-19 lockdown, this is a tender, adventurous tale of a young couple desperate to reunite amidst isolation and restrictions. Their love pushes them to take daring risks—sneaking out to meet in the lush green beauty of the Western Ghats. But what should be a dreamy escape soon turns into chaos for safety when villagers catch sight of them. What follows is a chase through the jungle, filled with tension, intimacy, and raw emotion. While the story avoids big twists, it thrives on the beauty of its setting and the authenticity of its emotions. It’s a love story shaped by circumstance—quietly resonant and visually enchanting.
