Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Feb 25: It is not 'just an art-film', it touched the hearts of many. Directed by Giriraj and produced by Madhav Reddy, Kannada film ‘Amaravati’ made the audience drop a tear or two. The 2 hour film that takes a peek into the life of pourakarmikas (civic workers) was screened at Diana talkies, Udupi at 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm on Thursday, February 23.
Interestingly, nearly ten pourakarmikas of Udupi watched this film.
After watching the film one of the pourakarmikas recounted his life experience, "We are not getting any governmental benefits like ESI and health cards. There is no job security for us. I have been working on a contract basis for 25 years, and get paid Rs 6500 monthly. Many years ago, the municipality workers were ill-treated at their working place and the society at large. But the situation has been improving over the years."
Following the show, director Giriraj speaking to media persons said "The movie was an experimental and contemporary one based on an emotional subject, that revealed the woes of pourakarmikas . We are glad that people have started looking at them (pourakarmikas) in a respectable light after watching this movie."
His films 'Jatta' and 'Mythri' have already received an award. Another of his directorial feats 'Thund Haikla Sahavasa', a thematic film is set to release on Thursday, March 2.
The movie was also released in 35 talkies including two multiplex simultaneously on Friday, February 10.
Movie Plot
The plot of Amaravati, revolves around the story of Chenna, the son of a sewage cleaner. Chenna aspires a better life and works towards being a 'good student' at college. His mentor, a social reformer, gets him to look beyond his enclosed space and step out to fight for his basic rights. Chenna's tryst with this revolutionary idea, forms the backdrop of this narrative.
The movie also throws light on some of the ugly truths in the life of pourakarmiakas, who are still treated as social outcasts in a nation that remains indebted to them for their work. The municipality strives to get them into the mainstream of the civil society. No one can imagine a tidy city without the pourakarmikas.
Promotion
60 likeminded friends including journalists in the city formed a WhatsApp group called as ‘odugaru’ and gave the film a wide publicity on social media. Manjunath Kamath, an admin of the WhatsApp group said, "It is rare sight for such movies to be screened in talkines these days. People must promote such creative theme-based movies. Only with the encouragement will films like this will come up more often on screen. ’
Kamat added, 'Last year the WhatsApp group provided platform to screen the film ‘Nanu Avanalla avalu’ at Alankar Talkies, which got a good response because it was screened in the city. This time the film received acclaim with fewer viewers."
"The group of friends paid a rent of Rs 6000 to theater owner to screen this film. Theatre owners too shy from taking the risk to screen such kind of art films which don't bring in much revenue," Kamat added.
So far, hundreds of art-movie lovers watched the movie and responded positively.
Producer Madhav Reddy, Actor Santhosh, Hemanth Sushil, Parameshwar and others were present.