Plot

Set in the 1980s, an 8-year-old Maadeva, from a poor rural family, can't afford rice. Lost at a fair, he's taken in by a rich family, stirring a conflict between his humble roots and newfound luxury, symbolizing the societal divide.

Set in the 1980s, Anna revolves around an 8-year-old Maadeva, a poor kid unable to afford rice, which was considered a luxury then. After going missing at a fair, a wealthy landlord takes him in and offers him shelter in his home.

However, the landlady, whose son had gone missing several years ago, starts connecting with Maadeva when he begins to fill the shoes of her lost son. She feeds him rice three times a day, sparking a battle between "haves" and "have nots," symbolised by rice and ragi.

Reflecting upon poverty, innocence, and a Caucasian chalk circle of motherhood, Anna highlights rice's social and symbolic significance. In today's world, with 3 billion people relying on it, rice still remains pertinent.

Set in the 1980s, "Anna" weaves the story of Maadeva, an 8-year-old boy born to parents of modest means. Maadeva's family can only afford to nourish him with the simple staple of ragi and not rice due to financial limitations.

Disappearing at a fair, Maadeva finds refuge with a wealthy landlord, whose wife sees shades of her own lost son in Maadeva.

This poignant connection prompts her to provide him not only shelter but also the cherished rice, emphasising the stark disparity between the "haves" and "have-nots", symbolised by the contrasting diets of rice and ragi.

The narrative explores themes of poverty, innocence, and the complex dynamics of motherhood through a Caucasian chalk circle. Rice's dual role-representing both privilege and sustenance-serves as the crux of the tale, offering insight into societal divisions.

In a world where 3 billion people rely on rice, "Anna" resonates with contemporary relevance, underscoring the enduring importance of this grain in the global fabric while emphasising the intricate relationship between nourishment, social class, and equity.