Naavu Geleyaru
Kannada (U) ¬¬
Director: G K Mudduraju
Cast: Master Anil, Ninasam Ashwath, Krishnegowda
Director G K Mudduraju’s “Naavu Geleyaru” tests patience in different ways than children do these days!
A bunch of schoolchildren befriend a nomad kid seeking alms after presenting his cow/bull and a spell of nadaswara. Soon, the boy wants to join school as well. But not before he overcomes the mandatory hurdles - in this case, greedy government school teachers who don’t blink an eye while cheating the boy’s gullible grandpa of his life’s earnings. Or the corrupt police who want to corner all glory for themselves... After some time, such plot structure tends to become heavy even if the kids do flash their innocent wisdom in between acting like the know-all brats they are. In fact, their upright attitude towards all the ‘vices’ of society evokes downright suspicion - it is very rare to come upon kids that good!
“Naavu Geleyaru” has other surprises in store too– government school events sponsored by private company whose product is obscured in an enticing manner etc. But credit should also go to the film for making the objectives and purposes of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan movement and the RTE Act clear to the layman. Actors Ninasam Ashwath and Krishnegowda suit their characters. State award winner for “Nanna Gopala” Master Anil steals the show with Masters Tejas, Koushik and Baby Chandana and Swathi giving good company. V Manohar’s songs are pleasant to hear but Dhanush’s camera barely passes muster. Mallesh’s dialogues are stilted alas!
With “children’s films” making heavy weather of “conveying” messages, it is time a “Blue Umbrella or Makdi” came along!
