Mookajjiya Kanasugalu

To commemorate the 50th year of Jnanapith Award-winning novel Mookajjiya Kanasugalu by K Shivaram Karanth, veteran filmmaker P Sheshadri has chosen to bring the multi-layered narrative alive. The result is a clinical no frills adaptation that has the soul and intent in the right place.

Given the vast heritage that Kannada literature has, one only wishes there would be more filmmakers choosing to look into the repository of brilliant stories. Sheshadri’s Mookajji is wise, caring and very rooted, making the viewers root for her right through the story. And B Jayashree is the perfect choice in that respect, as she gives a subtle performance that lingers on.

The gifted Mookajji can touch objects and take one through the stories that they carry. These stories not only entertain the listeners, but also are commentaries on societal mores and practices. And the ensemble cast has been carefully chosen by Sheshadri, with each of them justifying their casting. Aravind Kuplikar, as Subbaraya, is on point. Kaavya Sha as young Mookambika, who wants to question conventions, is formidable. Prabhu and Pragathi and Ramanna and Nagi come up with memorable performances.

Mookajjiya Kanasugalu might not be the flashy jazzed up commercial fare, but it does narrate a soulful tale. If you’ve savoured Karanth’s novel, then you should definitely check out this adaptation. And if you’ve not read it, watch this film and also indulge in the book over the weekend.