The quality battle between regional vernacular cinema and mainstream cinema began a few years ago when regional film makers (mainly from the Malayalam industry) embraced realism. We have dawned into a ‘new era’ of films that are raw, unapologetically regional (without trying to appease larger audiences) and highly story-oriented. There was no way that culturally rich areas like Tulunadu did not make the most of this development.
The Tulu film industry has established itself well enough to be designated as ‘Coastalwood’ and we have a few theatre giants to thank for that. However, for a long time, comedy has been the go-to genre in Coastalwood (drawing inspiration from theatre) and most films that did not include loud and somewhat raunchy comedy did not do well at the box office. Some bold film makers like Preetham Shetty, Abhaya Simha and MN Jayanth made thematic Tulu movies that did garner some nationwide attention and validated that there is a lot of scope yet to be explored in Tulu cinema.
Joining the line of bold directors in Coastalwood is the newest talent Aneesh Poojary – the maker of ‘Daskath’ which released on 13th December. I did not expect a team of newcomers to deliver a wholesome feast this good when I walked into the theatre.
Daskath is the story of a village named Kepula Palke where the village populace is pestered by a borderline psychotic Panchayat leader. Played excellently by Yuva Shetty, the role of Gunapaala incites immediate despise with his sweaty face, bulging tummy that threatens his shirt buttons and a mouth full of betel infused spit. But what’s actually loathsome about him is his intolerance towards anything (or anyone) that causes him even the slightest trouble – he tends to kill even a dog that barks at him.
Putting up with his cunning means of money-making are the helpless villagers who get their own character arcs in Daskath. Shekhara, Keshava, Baadu and Deepu hail from families with terribly modest means but have an unbreakable spirit as they make up a strong group of friends in the village. They take on the Panchayat leader and a ruthless feud follows – which makes for an indulging, action based storyline that is narrated exceptionally well. Other than the story, there are elements of regional authenticity, comedy, heart-warming montages, a little bit of romance and a whole lot of banter. Time goes fast as the story proceeds with so many indulging elements.
The direction team has done its homework well. The screenplay stands as the biggest highlight of the film, followed by background music and casting both taking the second place. The screenplay is made rich with well crafted visuals, aptly chosen locations and inclusion of a number of cultural aspects of Tulunadu. Casting is done with pin-point precision as the entire film is carried with grace by every single character. And the background score lingers on even when the movie is done.
It is, after all, a unidirectional storyline – but Daskath succeeds commendably with the narration. A couple of twists are delivered at well-timed intervals and manages to elicit complete silence in the audience. In all, Aneesh Poojary and his team has, even with a limited budget, delivered a movie no short of a masterpiece. Just so I address the ignorable negatives; the second half of the film feels slightly longer than the first and there could have been more convincing completions delivered to some sub-stories such as that of Keshava’s mentally ill sister. But the said observations don’t have any influence on the overall impact of the film.
It looks like the Tulu industry is joining the big leagues. With talent like the Daskath team hidden in the lanes of Tulunadu, and the rich cultural palette of the land that offers so much scope for stories to come alive with aesthetic fullness, I am looking forward to more films like this one and more accomplishments for Coastalwood on a national, and hopefully international level.
Special mention to Deekshith Andinje and Mohan Sheni for being as natural as actors can get, alongside of course the rest of the cast. Daskath is certainly a film that deserves box office success.
Very good movie
Finest movie I have seen with least masala. So nicely compiled