Ever pondered why zero, a number with no inherent value, becomes greater than nine when preceded by a 1 to form 10? This intriguing question resonates throughout the Telugu family drama “35: Chinna Katha Kaadu” (translated as “not a small story”), directed by first-time filmmaker Nanda Kishore Emani. This film dares to question the fundamentals of Mathematics, prompting audiences to contemplate whether students should simply accept established norms, memorize the syllabus, and pass examinations without question. With a star cast featuring Nivetha Thomas, Viswadev, Priyadarshi, and child actors like Abhay and Arun, this heartwarming tale encourages viewers to look inward and take the first step towards overcoming adversity.
Set in the enchanting temple town of Tirupati, the film centers on Saraswathi (Nivetha Thomas) whose life is intertwined with her family: her husband Prasad (Viswadev), a bus conductor, and their two sons, Abhay and Arun (Arun Dev). Right from the beginning, the film delves into family intimacy, signified by a scene emphasizing a cupboard’s veena-shaped door handles, a nod to Saraswathi’s forgotten musical inclinations amid her overwhelming familial duties. Emani’s direction is meticulous, and Latha Naidu’s production design subtly underscores the family’s lower-middle-class status, where artistic indulgences are rare.
The serene ambiance is accentuated by Vivek Sagar’s classical and semi-classical scores, notably Annamacharya’s ‘Bhavayami Gopala Balam’ that plays in the background during key moments. As Saraswathi wishes her son luck for his exam, her words, “we have to win,” reveal her deep-seated anxieties. Saraswathi’s name itself, associated with the goddess of knowledge, stands in stark contrast to her being labeled a failure for not clearing the 10th standard. Now, hope rests on Arun, who stands at a critical juncture in his academic journey.
The film doesn’t just explore whether Arun can succeed; it delves into the societal implications of his struggles. An essential character is introduced in Chanakya (Priyadarshi), a Mathematics teacher notoriously known for publicly naming students after their marks, showing little empathy for a child labeled ‘zero’ or ‘sunna.’ It’s only later, when Chanakya is humorously compared to a ‘constant’ in algebra, does the narrative find some comic relief, eliciting laughter in the theater.
The conflict at the heart of “35” revolves around a simple, yet profound premise: what if a boy, consistently scoring zero, is tasked with achieving a minimum score of 35 to remain in school? Can he rise to the challenge, and if so, who will aid him? This evokes memories of the Hindi film “Taare Zameen Par,” but unlike Darsheel Safary’s Ishaan being guided by Aamir Khan’s character, Arun finds no aid from Chanakya. In fact, he must grapple with Chanakya’s bruised ego.
Nanda Kishore’s narrative is uniquely distinguished by its portrayal of characters examining their inner selves, summoning the courage and determination to conquer their tribulations. At 145 minutes, the film intricately portrays the bustle of Saraswathi’s daily life and the strong bonds between children. It’s a rarity to find a mainstream children’s film these days, and “35” takes us back into the fifth and sixth-grade classrooms, showcasing authentic dynamics such as class monitors’ behavior and the social circles within which kids operate.
. The antics and pranks depicted are believable and relatable.
The film beautifully examines family relationships, particularly the sibling bond and the marital dynamics between Saraswathi and Prasad. One poignant moment comes when Arun, overwhelmed by his studies, laments the long absence of the word ‘chinnu’ (term of endearment) in the house, reflecting children’s keen observations.
However, a point of dissatisfaction lies in the depiction of the principal (Bhagyaraj). His prolonged inaction against Chanakya’s authoritarianism draws criticism. For students who regard Mathematics as their nemesis, Chanakya represents their worst fears. Priyadarshi excels in portraying a disdainful, cold-hearted teacher, so much so that the audience roots for the students’ pranks against him.
Nivetha Thomas delivers a standout performance as Saraswathi, portraying her with grace and composure. During moments of helplessness or agitation, the audience can’t help but cheer for her victory. Nivetha’s portrayal of multitasking and managing her responsibilities shines brightly, marking it as her finest performance to date. Cinematographer Niketh Bommi crafts a magical visual setting by framing her in the warmth of soft light.
Viswadev’s portrayal of the supportive spouse is earnest and heartfelt, while the child actors, including Arun, Abhay, and their classmates, are delightful to watch. Arun’s balance of vulnerability and mischief aligns perfectly with his character. Though Gautami’s role is brief and slightly underdeveloped, it serves the broader narrative effectively.
“35: Chinna Katha Kaadu” ultimately leaves audiences with heartwarming tears and broad smiles. There’s unparalleled satisfaction in rooting for an underdog and collectively celebrating their triumph. Adding nuance to the narrative, the film elegantly explains how zero, when preceded by certain numbers, gains significance.
Published – September 06, 2024, 03:58 pm IST
Telangana / The Hindu Cinema Plus / Telugu cinema
