Film - Ravana Desam
Director- Ajay Nuthakki
Cast- Ajay Nuthakki, Jennifer, Naveen, Konda, Ramkiran
With the Sri Lankan ethnic war as the backdrop, the film depicts the plight of a group of Sri Lankan Tamils who set out in a boat to find refuge in Indian soil. The film is helmed by debutant Ajay Nuthakki, who also essays the lead role of Victor, one of the innocent civilians caught in the conflict.
The confidence with which Nuthakki moves his narration, rarely letting go of his grip, belies the fact that it is his first film. He proves his calibre both as a director and actor, weaving a tale that is emotional and moving.
The cast and technical crew are freshers. The actors fit suitably in their characters. The familiar face is Jennifer, who returns to acting after a long hiatus. The actor surprises you with the maturity with which she handles the role of Abhi, the newly-wed wife of Victor (Ajay). The early scenes depict the harassment and torture meted out to the ethnic Tamils by some of the Sri Lankan soldiers and how innocent civilians become the casualties of war. Some of these moments could be seen in earlier related films.
The scenes of bombing, arial assaults, and destruction as the civilians run for cover, are brought out with horrific realism. Some moments stand out for the sheer power of their impact — like the shocking scene of the death of a little boy, or the scene, where the militant leader told about the sufferings by his people, sets an example, leaving them numb with disbelief. Master Naveen, in a brief role as PM, wanting to set things right, portrays innocence and an understanding of the war from a child’s perspective.
The aged couple in search of their missing son, a pregnant Abhi apprehensive of the fate of the unborn baby, Kumaran, a mercenary, who has no qualms betraying his own people and a widow, who refuses to leave the island with her son and family — are characters and moments that linger in the mind long after the film is over.
The 10-day boat journey in the perilous waters, the changing moods of the sea, are all captured effectively by the camera. The make-up department should be commended for accurately bringing in the transition in look and appearance as the days pass in the waters.
The hope, despair and helplessness of Victor and his men are brought out with an accurate understanding by the director. The ending is sure to touch a chord in one and all.
Worked within a modest budget, the film may have its rough edges. But its strong emotional quotient makes one overlook the glitches and empathise with the plight of the hapless.
Kudos to the director-producer team of Nuthakki and Jagdeesh Reddy respectively, for backing such an unconventional theme, and offering cinema that is provocative, and meaningful.
