'Kapata Nataka Sutradhari' movie review: Scathing critique of religion in politics

Made by a fresh team, ‘Kapata Nataka Sutradhari’ begins with a school teacher’s trip to a village to finalise his marriage arrangements. He is accompanied by a colleague who is eager to explore a 1000-year-old temple there. The temple’s doors are opened only twice a year, and it is rumored to be a site of miraculous occurrences.

Intrigued by a stone-carved elephant at the site, the colleague attempts to pass through its opening, a local superstition claiming that wishes are granted to those who successfully navigate through it. He becomes wedged due to his larger build. Despite the efforts of onlookers to pull him out, he remains stuck.

The situation takes a turn when he reveals his Muslim identity sparking an intense reaction from a local politician. This follows chaos as the village is divided on whether to rescue him by damaging the elephant or keeping it safe, letting him to die.

The film exposes underlying biases in a politically unenlightened rural landscape exploring themes of identity, communalism, and the complexities of societal dynamics.

Blend of humor and suspense keeps the audience engaged and entertained. The cast delivers impressive performances. A departure from typical action-packed blockbusters, the film’s absence of over-the-top stunts and song-and-dance numbers adds to its charm.

However, the subplot involving the teacher’s marriage plans feels disconnected. The portrayal of a young woman from a rural background showcasing modern lifestyle feels unconvincing.

The climax falls flat due to philosophical speeches. The film’s themes seem to echo the lines of Kannada writer P Lankesh, written during the tumultuous period of demolition of Babri Masjid: ‘Life is precious, not brick.’