Romance in the rain

Movies inspired by short stories or literary works are hard to come by these days. Award-winning director Narasimha Nandi, in the introduction to his new film ‘Kamalatho Naa Prayanam’, admits his inspiration to Bala Gangadhara Tilak’s short story ‘Vuri Chivari Illu’ and the well known writer Chalam. Basing the film on this short story of Tilak, Nandi takes it forward in his own way, setting it in the 1950s in a certain locale. Hence, the subject of the film may seem familiar to many. Nonetheless, the film has to be watched for its picturesque landscape, brilliant cinematography, good performances and the craft of filmmaking. The pace may be sleepy to many, the theme may be outdated and devoid of entertainment in today’s parlance– but such films are not often part of the Telugu cinema and therefore the film warrants a watch.

Kamala Rani (Archana) is a sex worker settled in a village who yearns to see the outside world as she leads a lonely and dull life. She dreams of meeting a man whom she can marry and have kids too. One day Suryanarayana (Sivaji) arrives at her house to seek refuge from a heavy downpour. Somehow Kamala takes a liking to him and pours her heart out to him. Suryanarayana, who has come to meet his childhood friend too reciprocates and falls in love. Living with Kamala is the old lady (Pavala Shyamala) who is against this relationship. What happens to Kamala and Suryanarayana forms the story.

Nandi chooses the most picturesque locales to set his film. Be it the low hills, or the Godavari River - the whole scenery is made to look pretty romantic. To add to the romanticism, there is rain and thunder which is a constant in the film. The landscape is green, and provides the perfect setting for the ‘couple’ in love. And the lead pair’s chemistry too enhances the romantic factor. The story moves at a linear and simple level. Attention to detail is paid well. The ‘period’ setting too works well.

Nandi infuses a certain amount of sensuality almost bordering on erotica in some songs which could have been clearly avoided. This could have helped to trim the inordinate length of the film- 162 minutes. The soothing background score could have been sufficient. Dialogues strike a chord with the setup. The languid pace in the first half makes one feel it’s moving at a snail’s pace but it eventually picks up. Cinematography, art direction and production values lend a great support to this emotionally touching drama.

Archana slips into this bold and challenging role pretty well. She puts in a good effort to showcase the varied emotions required for the role. That Archana is capable of such acting is reflected from this role as Kamala. Sivaji too puts up a good show except that in some places his emotions are not up to the mark. Pavala Shyamala too was convincing in her portrayal.

Films like ‘Kamalatho Naa Prayanam’ come once in a while. One can see them for their story and artistic merit. It may be art-house cinema but even that is cinema after all!