Karnataka - Bangalore

A family drama

Admirable job: Sudeep in ‘Shanthinivasa’

Cast: Sudeep, Master Hirannaiah, Srinivasamurthy, Ramesh Bhat, Komal Kumar, Arun Sagar, Deepu, Anuprabhakar, Vyshali Kasravalli and Chitra Shenoy

Director: Sudeep

Devoid of the usual pot boiler ingredients, Shanthinivasa presents a poignant family drama in an admirable manner.

Obviously inspired by Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Hindi hit “Bavarchi,” Shanthinivasa emphasises the importance of emotional integrity, tolerance and understanding among family members. Sudeep as the director creates a humane, idealist and learned cook in Raghu. It is interesting to note that Sudeep has come of age by shunning image-building exercises and fan-pleasing gimmicks.

The film also reflects the changing expectations of Kannada audiences. But for the jarring music, the entire crew of the film has done an admirable job.

K.N.VENKATASUBBA RAO