Poorna

Poorna is a biographical adventure film that was released in 2017 and directed by Rahul Bose, an acclaimed Indian actor and filmmaker. The movie is his second directorial endeavor and forms a distinct narrative that delicately mingles elements of suspense, inspiration, and raw human emotions to recount the awe-inspiring tale of the youngest girl to scale Mount Everest. With Rahul Bose himself playing an essential character, alongside Aditi Inamdar and Heeba Shah—both delivering commendable performances—the film brings to life a story of determination against overwhelming odds, effectively set against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayan mountainside.

At the heart of Poorna's narrative is the real-life tale of Malavath Poorna, a thirteen-year-old Adivasi from Telangana's Nizamabad district. Young yet gutsy, Poorna, played by Aditi Inamdar, is from a family entrenched in poverty and limited by traditional expectations set for girls in her community. With a constrained future laid out for her, Poorna's life takes an unexpected turn when she’s discovered by Dr. RS Praveen Kumar, an Indian Police Service officer and the secretary of the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society.

Rahul Bose portrays Dr. Kumar, who initiated Operation Everest as part of the society's extracurricular activities. Believing that the potential of students like Poorna should not be boxed by their socio-economic backgrounds, Dr. Kumar decides to expose them to new avenues and experiences—a spirit excellently captured in the film.

Through a series of gripping scenes, viewers witness Poorna's journey from her tiny shack in Pakala village to the perilous—and breathtaking—slopes of Mount Everest. This transition isn't merely a physical one but presents a metaphoric and emotional journey—the transformation of a modest village girl into a symbol of grit and determination.

Aditi Inamdar, in her debut role, impeccably embodies Poorna's character, emoting beautifully the feelings of fear, determination, homesickness, and eventual joy. The audiences journey with her through each arduous training, each daunting challenge, and eventually to the top of the world, instilling an incredible sense of empathy and inspiration.

Rahul Bose as Dr. RS Praveen is equally compelling, depicting the character's stout-heartedness and resoluteness in uplifting children from marginalised sections. His character introduces an interesting dynamic, demonstrating the impact of empowering education leaders who recognize and nurture the potential in their students.

Heeba Shah too, as Mrs. RS Praveen Kumar, the unwavering support system, adds value to the film's fabric.

On a technical level, Poorna cinematically scores high. From the detailed production design and well-executed screenplay to impressive cinematography and a heartfelt soundtrack, every element ensures this inspiring story touches hearts and leaves an impact. The film's photography shines, the capturing of lowland villages and the towering Himalayan peaks demonstrates the world's disparity through visuals. Music by Tanuj Tiku accentuates Poorna's journey, aiding the narrative, and further tugging at the heartstrings of the audience.

Poorna’s storytelling stays largely factual, spotlighting both the societal context and the grueling preparation for the audacious expedition. The hardships and societal pressures faced by Poorna, the rigorousness of the training, the perils of the climb, the raw determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds—each aspect is well delineated.

However, the film’s true success lies within its humane and relatable storytelling. It juxtaposes the tangible hardships Poorna faces with her incredible inner strength and prevailing spirit. The film's simplicity of language ensures that it remains accessible to diverse audiences without any unwarranted dramatization or over-simplification of Poorna's journey.

In summary, Poorna is a heartwarming salute to the resilience of a young girl and the power of a visionary mentor. The movie invites us to witness how the human spirit, even in a tender, thirteen-year-old girl, can overcome towering obstacles—quite literally—to engrave her name in the annals of history. As viewers plunge into this gripping narrative, they emerge inspired by the undying human spirit and the transformative potential of education. Through this truly incredible biographical adventure, Poorna embeds a long-lasting impression, ensuring that Malavath Poorna's saga won't be forgotten anytime soon.