Su from So or rather Sulochana from Someshwara is a blockbuster movie running in the theatres to house full shows. And for good reason.. This is a masterpiece .. an absolute masterclass in story telling, script and layering of multiple nuances in the most simplistic of situations. There are reviews galore and it would be absolutely useless to write a review about the movie.
However, after coming out of the movie hall, I reflected on the movie and the undertones of the various characters (specifically the emotional arcs) embedded brilliantly into the narrative. This is my attempt to capture some thoughts rummaging through my mind as I walked out of the theatre.
Small mistakes have huge snowball consequences
Ashoka makes a mistake. To cover up for this mistake, he makes 101 excuses that soon snowballs into a huge issue affecting the village. We need to rethink on the consequences of the choices we make, for every choice comes with a corresponding consequence.
Life gives you opportunities to make amends for one’s mistakes.
Not all mistakes lead to drastic consequences. Some of the mistakes could become an opportunity to atone for one’s own sins and become part of doing something better for others. Ashoka soon finds his predicament to be an opportunity to rectify a gross wrong being done on another human.
We just need someone to pour our hearts to.
When Bhanu pours her heart out to “Sulochana”, one can empathise with her situation. At that point, the most basic human emotion is at display. The feeling of being wanted or having someone to care for. The acting by Sandhya Arekere is top-class. One can’t see beyond Bhanu in her actions and demeanour. The drop of a tear at just the right moment was a perfect shot.
Love is about understanding the other without the need of words.
There are small nuances of caring and love in the narrative that is perhaps underplayed by design. Ravi Anna’s sensitivity to Bhanu while driving her back, his presence of mind that Bhanu prays to the deity daily, providing her with helmet (though he doesn’t wear one !!) are simple, yet very thought provoking gestures that displays his care for another human at the least. The ability to understand the other person without explicit words is love at its purest form.
Presence of mind in the middle of the conflict.
In the concluding moments, amidst the chaos all around, Ravi Anna takes the bold step of stopping the ensuing rumble and state the objective of whole situation. Mindless violence is not the solution to every problem. One needs to be clear about the goals, have the presence of mind and situation and adapt accordingly. Brilliant moment !!
Leaders stand out by enabling others.
It could easily have been Raj B Shetty’s show all the way, but the beauty of the movie is such that he is just one of the characters and not the star that he truly is. Being the producer and perhaps the creative backer for the project, his leadership is at ample display by providing the platform and opportunity to deserving people. While some of the names have already been registered in Kantara, I feel there are 3 standout performers in this movie whose growth is simply inspirational.
Music Director, Sumedh K, a young talent of 19 years who was provided with the opportunity to create magic and boy o boy !! Did he deliver big time or what?
Ravi Anna, my favourite character played brilliantly by Shaneel Gautam, easily one of the best performances of the recent times. His growth from being an AD to side characters to shouldering the movie brilliantly is absolutely stupendous. He just proves that when opportunity knocks, perform to your best and success will follow (Remember: Baba Ranchod Das from 3 Idiots)
Lastly, the captain, the maverick and the uber talented who is quite underplayed. J. P. Thuminad. What a banger of a movie he has given. There are many interviews about the origin of this movie. I would highly recommend Raj B Shetty’s discussion with Anupama Chopra one. Heartbreak arising out of premature closure of an ongoing project is enough to break a person. However, the sensitivity of the leader in Raj B Shetty coupled with the lion-heart of J P Thuminad gave us this gem of a movie. While everyone is going gaga over the movie, one should also give enough credit for his acting. I just loved the hysterical laugh near the window with the subtle mannerism to indicate the presence of “other”. Brilliant !!!
If you haven’t watched Su from So, please rush to your nearest theatres.. Don’t miss this masterpiece !!!
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