Sankashta Kara Ganapathi

Sankashta Kara Ganapathi is an endearing and thought-provoking Indian Kannada-language film. Released in 2018, the film is directed by debutant Arjun Kumar and features high-quality performances by the talented cast, notably Akshara, Kiran Chengappa, and Shruti Goradia.

Set against the backdrop of the bustling city life, the narrative gravitates towards the life of Ganapathi, played brilliantly by actor Likith Shetty. Ganapathi is a jovial, carefree, and artistic young man with a passion for cartooning. His life seems ordinary and his dreams seem within reach, particularly his dream of marrying his sweetheart, Shruti played by Shruti Goradia. Her free-spirited nature and compassionate demeanor form a perfect complement to Ganapathi's quirkiness. Ganapathi's life, however, takes an unexpected turn when he ends up with a rare and unusual neurological condition, 'Alien Hand Syndrome'.

As the title suggests, Ganapathi, which is another name for the Indian god, Lord Ganesha, is faced with arduous or 'sankashta' problems that are seemingly insurmountable. The 'alien hand' as the disorder denotes, begins to operate independently of Ganapathi's control, resulting in comic, chaotic, and even destructive scenarios. This unexpected plight adds an entirely new dynamic to the narrative, making it a blend of comedy, romance, and drama.

As Ganapathi grapples with this life-altering condition, we dive deeper into this disorder, and how it affects not just the patient but everyone around him. Director Arjun Kumar skillfully introduces the element of humor into the plot through Ganapathi's alien hand. It punches, slaps, and does things that puts Ganapathi in awkward and hilarious situations while also throwing light on the struggles and frustrations of living with such an unpredictable predicament.

Simultaneously, the subplot explores Ganapathi's romantic relationship with Shruti and how they navigate through the difficulties posed by his condition. Akshara is also introduced as a crucial character in the storyline, adding more depth and flair to the narrative. The movie blossoms with the themes of understanding, compromise, compassion, and love, seasoned with humor and empathy. This disorder not only tests Ganapathi's determination and resilience but also his loved ones' understanding and acceptance.

Further, the film beautifully presents a critique of society's stigma towards health disorders, expelling the ignorance surrounding it. The audience are made to wander through Ganapathi's struggles and triumphs as he tries to cope with this alien-hood. His determination to normalize his life forms the emotional core of the film, making the audience empathize and root for him. The unpredictability of the alien hand also stands as a metaphor for life's unpredictability and Ganapathi's response to it, reflecting the age-old philosophy of "doing one's best and dealing with whatever life throws at them".

The cinematography and production design provide another pivotal dimension to Sankashta Kara Ganapathi. The on-screen portrayal of Karnataka's landscapes, streets, and firmaments paint a distinctively beautiful picture of Indian city life. Music and background score are other key elements which add vibrancy to the film, uplifting its emotional tone at the right places.

Ritvik Muralidhar's music and Uday Leela's cinematography provide the audience with an appealing combination of auditory and visual treat. The film leverages the regional lingo and local scenes to keep the authenticity of storytelling intact.

In conclusion, Sankashta Kara Ganapathi stands out for its originality and greater inclusivity in choosing to represent a lesser-known and misunderstood neurological disorder. The strong performances by a dedicated cast, a tightly woven plot stitching together humor, romance, drama, and societal critique, and excellent execution through music and cinematography make it a must-watch film from the Kannada film industry.