Nathicharami

Nathicharami is a 2018 Indian Kannada-language drama film that sensitively portrays the societal and personal journey of a modern and independent woman. This critically acclaimed movie is directed by Mansore and features Sruthi Hariharan, Sanchari Vijay and Sharanya in pivotal roles. The film adeptly explores a woman's struggle to balance her personal desires with social expectations, navigating societal realities, moral dilemmas and emotional complexities.

The movie puts forth the story of Gowri (Sruthi Hariharan), a young widow grappling with the memories of her late husband, Mohan (Sanchari Vijay). Not just a character, Gowri is an embodiment of strength, resilience and fortitude, conveyed brilliantly by Sruthi Hariharan through her nuanced performance. She starts with feeling the void left by her husband, mourning his loss and trying to face life by herself. The film essentially revolves around her journey of self-discovery and realization to cut the umbilical cord she has to the past and move forward in life.

Throughout the film, Gowri is shown in a quest to attain the liberty of making personal choices without any societal constraints and judgments. The story strengthens when Gowri experiences sexual desires that she initially finds hard to accept and grapples with her guilt and confusion. The film boldly put forth the taboo topic of widows embracing their carnal desires. The clichéd image of widows mourning for the rest of their lives is broken here by introducing the character of a psychologist (Pavithra), who clearly communicates that it is normal to have such repressed feelings and one cannot be dictated on how to lead their life.

On her path, she meets akka (Sharanya), a woman who has a profound impact on Gowri’s life. Sharanya is powerful in her portrayal and brings forth critique to the societal norms with her bold dialogues. The supportive bond formed between these two women amplifies the movie’s overall narrative that revolves around empowerment and breaking societal stereotypes.

The paradoxical title "Nathicharami", which literally translates to "vow of lifelong bondage", symbolizes the themes of freedom and liberation that the movie brilliantly brings together. The film draws attention to the lives of widows in India, alluding to the societal challenges and restrictions they have to face in a largely patriarchal society. It is not just about the aftermath of losing a spouse, but also issues like living alone, fighting loneliness, societal acceptance, and a woman’s desires and needs, be it emotional, physical, or sexual.

The director, Mansore has done an exceptional job in painting a truthful and stirring portrait of a woman's life in modern-day society. He has used symbolic elements wisely across the film. For example, usage of a metronome or musical device reflects Gowri’s life shifting between the past and present. The production design, too, subtly conveys emotions and messages, making a significant impact.

The movie also features a stirring and soulful soundtrack that perfectly complements the narrative and enhances its emotional undertone. The cinematography provides a richly textured visual experience that adds depth to the story. The realistic and subtle screenplay glues the audiences to the narrative.

From a broader perspective, Nathicharami is a step forward in broadening the horizons of Indian cinema. It subtly blurs the line between mainstream and parallel cinema, bringing forth a fresh perspective to storytelling. The film's bold attempt to showcase some of the unspoken and taboo aspects of society, especially pertaining to women, is noteworthy.

In conclusion, Nathicharami is not just another film but is an emotional journey that will make viewers rethink societal norms and expectations. Through the journey of one woman, it delicately handles several social issues, offering a fresh and vital perspective. This movie is a gem in the world of Kannada cinema and Indian cinema at large, known for its impactful storytelling, heartfelt performances and a script that stirs your thoughts. It leaves behind a profound impact on the audience, prompting them to question societal stereotypes and the suppression of personal desires against societal norms.