Banner: Sarve jana sukhi bhavanthu films.Producer : Ammani Narayan.
Cast: K.Vishwanath,SP.Balasubramanyam,Amani,Kovai Sarala…
Music: Swarva Veena Pani.
Director : Janardhana Maharshi.
Aplive.net Rating : N/A (as its a non commerical movie)
Story:
Story begins with Srimannarayana (K. Vishwanath) is a old man with no care takers who spends most of the time in a Temple clearing ‘Dharma Sandehas’ of people. Srimannarayana wants some one who can take the responsibility of conducting final rites and cremation, once he dies. So, he finds middle classed Samba Murthy (SP Balasubramaniam) as right person for this duty. Samba Murthy leads a simple and lovely life with wife Saraswati (Aamani). Although initially reluctant, he finally accepts to take the burden of fulfilling the last wish of Srimannarayana. Once they two start gelling with each other, Srimannarayana makes Samba Murthy understand the real meaning of life. In the course, Samba Murthy becomes a writer penning Hari Kathas on modern day life styles while Srimannarayana sings them in various Public and Religious events. Very soon, they earn much needed fame while all the financial proceedings earned by this ancient Telugu Art are diverted to Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavanthu Trust which is meant to help poor Archakas in Temples and for preserving the Ancient Telugu Heritage. But, a tragedy strikes and still the old man Srimannarayana alone takes the onus of giving new life to Hari Katha.
Performance :
The performances are so astounding that it is difficult to point out who’s the best out of the duo. While Viswanath is subtle, underplays his role, speaks volumes through his smiles, nods, indifference and tears, SPB on the other hand is a live wire, gregarious but balanced. Both of them complement each other perfectly bringing out the huge difference in their thinking, attitude and approach towards life.Kovai Sarala provides the comic relief.
Technical:
Swara Veena Pani’s musical compositions are to give a soothing experience for strained brains. Lyrics written for each of the song is full of meaning and strong message. ‘Paluku Thelupu Thallive’ and ‘Sambayya’ are just extraordinary. Thanks to Janardhana Maharshi’s ease in writing as heavy dialogues are spelt in simple words easily understandable for common audience.
Analysis :
The first half of the film dwells on the blooming of friendship between the two strangers, two types of people and post-interval the director focuses on the larger society. KV’s dry sense of humour comes out through his witty one liners, his dialogues are full of pathos, his actions and songs range from politics, terrorism, civic sense, death without being preachy yet sound like pearls of wisdom.
As film steers towards climax, the unexpected final twist makes viewer to leave the theatres with painful hearts. However, good films like these always lack in commercial potentiality and regular mind set of audience who enjoy formula movies with five songs, four comedy scenes and three fights may dislike this ‘Devasthanam.’
Verdict :
The film is worth watching for it’s strong performances, some crackling writing and a noble ambition.
