Dweepa (2002) :
Brief Review -
Soundarya is simply marvelous in Girish Kasaravalli's socially and morally significant film about the displacement of natives amid a natural disaster. Girish Sir's Dweepa may not be a timeless classic for me, but it certainly stands as a very good film. It tackles two of the most important aspects of human life-moral responsibility and social survival. The story is set on Sita Parvata, a low-lying island slowly submerging due to incessant rains. While most residents accept government compensation and leave, temple priest Duggajja, his son Ganapa, and daughter-in-law Nagi refuse to abandon their homeland. Their hut earns them only Rs. 25,000, enough for basic needs but not for the dignity and respect they enjoy on the island. The narrative delves into their emotional conflict, struggles for survival, and attachment to their roots, ultimately showing how they continue life on the sinking island. The film does get a bit slow in the middle as events move at a sluggish pace. A new character from Bombay adds a fresh dimension but feels somewhat disconnected from the central moral and emotional conflicts. This subplot introduces infidelity and suspicion but doesn't explore them deeply. At times, Nagi's closeness to Krishna appears evident, yet she consistently remains a loyal wife, which makes the thread feel underdeveloped. In the end, Duggajja's character emerges with the most clarity, as he alone maintains a firm and consistent stance. Nagi's tragic fate, however, is deeply moving and leaves a lasting impact. Soundarya looks radiant and delivers a phenomenal performance in the lead role. M. V. Vasudeva Rao embodies his character with natural ease, while Avinash and Harish Raj also perform well. The screenplay has its flaws, the cinematography is beautiful, and the editing falters slightly in the latter half. Girish Kasaravalli's direction, though uneven at times, ultimately offers a fine piece of art for cinema lovers.
RATING - 7/10*
By - #samthebestest.
