“What’s meant to be, will always be,” so the saying goes, and it resonates through Sandeep Sunkad’s directorial debut, ‘Shakhahaari’. The narrative sweeps us into the rustic ambiance of Melige, a village nestled in Thirthahalli taluk of Shivamogga district, and spins a tale where destiny plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives of its inhabitants. The film enmeshes us in a perplexing murder, and through its unraveling, we come to see how this incident dramatically impacts the lives of Subbanna, a local hotelier portrayed by Rangayana Raghu, and Mallikarjun, a dutiful police officer brought to life by Gopalkrishna Deshpande.
Subbanna’s establishment is the village’s hub — a place where people from diverse backgrounds pause for refreshments, be it a steamy cup of tea or a crisp ‘dosa’. As evening descends, Subbanna sheds his hotelier persona for that of a thespian, immersing himself in theatre practices, while also harboring affection for a woman shrouded in mystery. In sharp contrast, Mallikarjun finds himself ensnared in professional turmoil when a murder suspect eludes his grasp. On the cusp of a much-desired transfer to attend to his sick wife, he is ensnared in a desperate hunt for the fugitive, a chase against time that threatens to upend his carefully laid plans.
As the plot of ‘Shakhahaari’ thickens, it draws us into a suspenseful labyrinth, built on ingeniously scripted dialogues that escalate the intrigue. Whether it’s demystifying human tenacity or exploring our susceptibility to unforeseen events, the film weaves these themes with compelling finesse. Adding to its magnetic allure is the exemplary cast, led with vigor by Rangayana Raghu and Gopalkrishna Deshpande.
Rangayana Raghu, a distinguished supporting actor known for energizing numerous films with unforgettable performances, wields his sharp dialogue delivery and innate comic sensibility to turn even subdued scenes into memorable ones. His peer, Gopalkrishna Deshpande, epitomizes the richness of Kannada cinema’s ensemble of sterling actors. Roles that once beckoned the likes of Achyuth Kumar and Anant Nag now eagerly await Deshpande, whose capacity to evoke hauntingly emotional portrayals from vulnerable and hapless characters has become abundantly clear.
Applause is certainly due for director Sandeep Sunkad, who has judiciously chosen two supporting actors as his protagonists, offering them a vast canvas to exhibit their prowess. Over the course of ‘Shakhahaari’, the actors craft a tangible sense of tension and despair, merely with the nuances of their gaze, molding into their characters with a believability that captivates as the story progresses.
Nonetheless, the film’s grip falters slightly approaching its denouement. Although it presents an awe-inspiring showdown between the leads, the resolution of their fate appears rather contrived. Director Sunkad scatters a trail of hints throughout — some masked in clever deceit, others exposed too readily. Having taken its time to envelop the viewer in its suspenseful embrace, the film seems to falter in delivering that decisive coup de grâce.
Yet, imperfections notwithstanding, ‘Shakhahaari’ stands as a beacon of promise. Sandeep Sunkad largely sustains our engrossment with a screenplay that adeptly juggles human sentiment and serendipity. In doing so, ‘Shakhahaari’ may very well be heralded as Kannada cinema’s premier commercial hit of 2024, setting a high bar for future offerings.
Currently playing in theatres, ‘Shakhahaari’ is not just a testament to the craftsmanship of its cast and crew but a testament to the thriving heart of Kannada cinema. With each scene, it beckons Indian cinema lovers to immerse themselves in the fabric of a world where fate’s intricate weave is discernible around every corner, inviting audiences nationwide to witness the elegance of its cinematic storytelling.
