Jaishankar Aryar’s film “Shivamma Yarehanchinala” continues to charm audiences, a sentiment particularly evident when it became the crowd favourite at the recently concluded Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes). Despite its growing reputation as a festival darling, the movie skilfully manages to straddle the fine line between being a cinematic delight for aficionados and a mainstream crowd-pleaser. The film’s final screenings at BIFFes generated such a demand that organisers had to arrange extra showings to accommodate eager audiences.
“Shivamma Yarehanchinala,” produced by the versatile Rishab Shetty, is more an entertainer for the masses than a classic festival film heavy with technical nuances. It is neither intricate nor dependent on high-level cinematic artistry, yet it shines through a unique narrative elevated by simple yet engaging drama and subtle humor.
The film opens with an amusing, yet telling scene of women in a small village jogging and exercising in sarees. While this sight initially prompts laughter, it transforms into a poignant commentary on the community’s gender dynamics. The very next scenes reveal the urgency behind these women’s quest for fitness, as the men in the village are either too lazy or too ill to manage household chores, thereby transferring the burden onto the women.
At the heart of this narrative is Shivamma (played by Sharanamma Chetty), a woman who stands out for her perseverance and ambition. Shivamma’s life revolves around her ailing husband, a college-going son, and a daughter nearing marriage. Unlike many women in her village, Shivamma is not content with her lot; she yearns for personal development and is driven by a fierce commitment to bettering her circumstances. This spirited attitude nudges her to take on a second job alongside her regular duties as a cook at a government school.
Venturing into the realm of direct selling—a business suspiciously resembling a Ponzi scheme—Shivamma begins to market a health drink claimed to solve a myriad of health issues. The film brilliantly showcases Shivamma’s determination and entrepreneurial spirit, making it clear that passion and ambition are not confined to urban settings.
The film offers a series of hilarious scenes as Shivamma unleashes her newfound confidence.
. The dialogue delivery amplifies the comedic essence, particularly when Shivamma claims that the health drink cures ailments ranging from diabetes to hair fall. Her marketing skills prove equally impressive; she convinces her friends of the drink’s efficacy by citing her husband’s miraculous recovery—attributed to the health shake—from almost being bed-ridden to becoming active again. Dissatisfied with merely selling to her immediate circle, Shivamma learns English to extend her reach, imbibing the company’s motto, “I will do it.”
Director Jaishankar chooses not to pass judgment on the ethics of direct marketing. Instead, he delves into the business’s very nature, crafting a story driven more by character development than plot. Sharanamma Chetty’s performance as Shivamma is exceptionally engaging, making the audience root for her through the film’s ups and downs. Her journey takes many turns—she faces professional setbacks, endures familial insults, falls into a debt trap, and reaches points of sheer desperation. Despite these hardships, the audience remains hopeful for her eventual triumph.
Jaishankar’s previous short films share a common thread of simplicity and relatability, often featuring non-professional actors. His transition to feature films with “Shivamma Yarehanchinala” retains this essence, contributing to the movie’s authentic feel and widespread appeal. By exploring a world familiar to many, Jaishankar delivers a winner that resonates deeply with its audience.
Currently running in theatres, “Shivamma Yarehanchinala” continues to capture the hearts of Kannada cinema enthusiasts and casual moviegoers alike. Its success at various film festivals, including BIFFes, underscores its universal charm and the compelling narrative of a spirited woman determined to carve out a better future for herself and her family. This film, while steeped in the local culture, manages to convey themes and emotions that are universal, making it a true gem in contemporary Indian cinema.
