Aug 04 2024 to Aug 04 2024 11:30 a.m.

EVENT HAS ENDED

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

1983 | 118 Minutes | Kannada Phaniyamma was married at the age of nine, when the wedding ceremony seems like just another enjoyable game. But when her husband dies of a snake bite, she is deprived of childhood’s pleasures with one cruel blow and is ostracized from society. Phaniyamma’s story is the depiction of how widows are treated in traditional Hindu society.

This month’s film featured in our informal film club is Phaniyamma (1973) “Phaniyamma,”is a renowned Kannada drama directed by the trailblazing Prema Karanth. This 1983 film, based on M.K. Indira’s novel, tells the poignant story of Phaniyamma, a young widow who navigates societal challenges and personal struggles with courage and resilience.

“Phaniyamma” has received critical acclaim, winning the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada. As the first female director in Kannada cinema, Prema Karanth brings her theatrical expertise to the screen, making this film a significant piece of Indian cinema history. Stage personality Prema Karanth’s directorial debut adeptly adapts M.K. Indira’s major 1976 novel.

The story, based on the real life of Phaniyamma from the village of Hebbalige in Malnad, Karnataka, spans from 1870 to 1952. Phaniyamma (Sharada Rao), born into an upper-caste family, is married at age nine and widowed shortly after. Despite the harsh societal norms imposed on widows, she grows into a strong and wise woman, defying conventions by helping an Untouchable woman give birth and supporting a young widow’s rebellion against orthodox norms.

Told mostly in flashback, the film captures the spirit of the original work through Sharada Rao’s dignified performance. It portrays not a radical critique of society but a purification of tradition adapted to modern conditions, conveyed through evocative close-ups and dynamic editing.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a powerful story of strength and tradition. B•Cinematic celebrates the resilience and spirit of Phaniyamma, an enduring figure in Indian literature and film.

Written by Vijayadan Detha

Screenplay by Mani Kaul

Based on Duvidha by Vijaydan Detha

Produced by Film Finance Corporation (NFDC), National Music Dance Centre

Cast: Ravi Menon, Raisa Padamsee

Cinematography by Navroze Contractor

Edited by Ravi Patnaik Film writer and critic

Srikanth Srinivasan will introduce the film and lead an informal discussion post-screening.