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It is difficult to make a film based on a popular and thought-provoking novel; it is even more difficult if it is written by an extraordinary writer like Dr S L Byrappa, who is very choosy about handing over filmmaking rights of his works. But then who will not have faith in a director like Girish Kasaravalli?
Other than winning quite a few international awards, Naayi Neralu has already been chosen best film by the Karnataka government. Pavithra Lokesh has also won the state government's best actress award for the Kannada film. Now, the film has been released for the general public.
It is a must-watch for all art film buffs and those who want to see quality cinema.
Naayi Neralu is more emotional than any of Kasaravalli's earlier films. It shows the progressive face of the woman in a period when she is bound by scriptures and archaic traditions. Kasaravalli creates the perfect ambience to showcase the period; ditto for the choice of locations.
The film opens with a hint of suspense and moves at a swift pace. With each incident, the characters are shown to change their stance. What is interesting is that the three women protagonists in the film view the same situations differently and each individual's perspective changes as the film progresses.
Byrappa's original novel has a pronounced focus on reincarnation, but Kasaravalli has taken some liberties by narrating the entire film from the women characters' perspective.
Lokesh has delivered one of the best performances of her career; she excels in the last few sequences. Ananya Kasaravalli, as the daughter who wants her mother to be progressive, has turned in an authentic performance too. Sringeri Ramanna proves he is one of the finest character artists in the industry today.
Cinematoghrapher S Ramachandra's work is outstanding, so is the background music.
Rediff Rating: 