Art and Society, Director brilliance at its best!

 

 

K Vishwanath is a legend – Director, Screenwriter, Actor and a complete epitome of Telugu Film Industry who has presented the true essence of class in all his movies. Intense stories, meaningful portrayals, strong women, social subjects with depth – all these were neatly packaged and presented under his direction and story. Perhaps, K Vishwanath has set his own niche in film making in the industry that no one can take over.

I happened to watch 3 of his most famous movies last weekend. I watched the ‘S’ series, which was Sankarabharanam, Sagara Sangamam and Subhalekha all of which comprises music, dance and romance. I couldn't resist myself from writing about them.

Sankarabharanam shares the story of a rare and exceptional bond between the master of classical music Sankara Sastry and his admirer Tulasi, a woman from a family of prostitutes.The movie deals with the character of Sankara Sastry, who devotes his heart and soul to Sangeet. At the height of popularity, he meets Tulasi (Manju Bhargavi)-dancer, who is also very interested in classical arts. Being impressed by Sankara Sastry's mastery over Sangeet, she tries to devote her entire life to learn and practice under his guidance. But as the caste-ridden society does not accept this union, she leaves Sastry's home only to come back after several years, this time with her son. In the meantime, Indian classical music takes a back seat with classical musicians finding it hard to earn their daily bread. Sankaram, son of Tulasi introduces himself as an orphan, finds a place in the master's house to learn Sangeet.

Sagara Sangamam is the story about Balakrishna, an economically poor multi-talented dancer, adept at Bharata Natyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi etc.. and his dream is to perform at an All-India level competition. Madhavi, a rich girl notices his talent and helps in getting him an opportunity to perform in an all-India competition. As he is all set to realise his dream, his ageing mother passes away which denies the fulfillment of his dream. Slowly, he gets closer to Madhavi and the day he wishes to propose to her, he realises that she is already married and her husband left her. Now the husband wants to reunite6[ with her which forces him to sacrifice his love. Years pass by and he turns into a drunkard. Meanwhile Madhavi loses her husband. She comes to know of Balakrishna who the doctors say is going to die soon. So she takes care of his medical needs and requests Balakrishna to teach dance to her daughter. The movie ends with Madhavi's daughter becoming a great dancer and the death of Balakrishna giving a message "There is no end to art".

Subhalekha is a family oriented movie in which the story is made with a message on dowry and was a huge musical hit and a Jewel in the crown for our megastar. Sumalatha is a middle class girl who is well educated and beautiful. Her father tries to get her married but is not able to meet the demands of high dowry.

Chiru is a graduate who is looking out for jobs but is not able to find any so he supports himself doing small odd jobs and believes that it is not wrong to work anything as long as it is not illegal.

They both meet and become friends. Sathyanarayana is the father of Sudhakar, who wants to marry his son to anyone who will give lakhs of dowry since he is educating him to be a doctor.

Sumalatha walks out of her house as she could not see her father troubled in trying to get her married and she stays with Chiru. She develops feelings for him meanwhile without his knowledge but does not reveal it.

Rest of the story forms on how the youngsters teach a lesson to the elders who are in greed of selling their educated sons for dowry and how sumalatha marries the man of her choice.

Blending commercial elements with content is one of his prime strengths, connecting the audience with his characters for decades. A presenter of Classical Arts, music and dance have always been core ingredients in both his stories and the final output.