Matte Mungaru Movie Review

Unique Endeavor

Just where did this film come from? Just when we were happy fighting over which was the best Machchu movie ever made and who is the most romantic hero of all time, here comes a movie that goes way off the beaten track and picks up loads of positive points on its way. Even with its little flaws and a sordid story all throughout its length Matte Mungaru is a surprisingly well made film.

If congratulations are in order, producer E. Krishnappa should be the first man to be given the bouquet. Yes of course, the film is a director’s medium; but this is the third film from this producer and all of them have been good. Each time, E. Krishnappa has worked with different teams and has still delivered the goods under his banner. Clearly, there must be something that the man knows about picking the right talent and providing them with the right platform!

Matthe Mungaaru is the story of a group of fishermen in Mumbai who accidentally sail over to the Pakistan territory and are imprisoned in worst conditions in Pakistan prisons. As if this good story was not enough, director Dwarki Raghava sets up the tone for the film with some wonderfully directed scenes and he is ably assisted by cameraman Sundarnath Suvarna. What impresses us about Dwarki Raghava’s direction is the sensibility shown in depicting each character. Although Shrinagar Kitty is the leading man of the film, others like Neenasam Aswath, Enagi Nataraj and Muni have been given equal prominence.

Dwarki Raghava also shows some uniqueness in presenting the characters of the film. Take for example, Ambarish’s character, where you only get to listen to his voice and never get a chance to see his face! Although the going gets a little over the top and somewhat repetitive at times, there are no doubts about Dwarki Raghava’s talent as a director.

Another high point of the film is Sundarnath Suvarna’s impressive camera work. The man’s artistry gives new life to even the sultry sea shores of Mumbai and the alleged Pakistani prisons. He doesn’t have great monuments (except the Gateway of India) or beautiful scenery to lean back on. In fact, all he has for most part of the movie are dimly lit prison cells and some drizzling forests in Thirthalli and Madagaddhe (Shimoga); and he has done a great job in whatever he has got.

But in spite of some notable performances both on and off screen, the film is not without its share of flaws. To start with, Ambareesh, a military officer, who is imprisoned in a dark prison cell for decades, gets all the news in the world first hand. Also, it seems odd how the Indian intelligence department questions someone who has been returned by Pakistan government with all the proper documentations.

Shrinagar Kitty is neat. But it’s the supporting actors like Payana Ravishankar, Muni, Ninasam Ashwath, Enagi Nataraj and company who steal the show. Rachana Malhotra is ordinary. Roopa Devi, making a comeback after a long hiatus, is among the stars of the film with her first rate performance.

You can watch this film with the family, if you don’t mind some disturbing scenes shown with the prisoners. Overall a great attempt.

-Movie Review By Raju Shanbhag