With Avva, Director Kavitha Lankesh has risen like a phoenix from the ashes. It is based on 'Mussanjeya Katha Prasanga', a novel by her father, Late Prof. P. Lankesh. This film is much better than her 2006 release, Tananam Tananam.
Kavitha's ploy of placing the whole narration from the point of view of a village errand boy is intriguing. Her honest narration of her father's novel should well be appreciated. Avva, as the title suggests, is a woman-oriented film, glorifying her in a quiet way.
The protagonist is a widow named Rangavva (Shruthi), who is prepared to fight with men and even use abusive language to ensure repayment of loans. This role is a novelty which has not been seen in any Kannada film so far.
Kavitha depicts the deep caste divisions and how the village degenerates gradually with human values fading into the background. At the same time, she also shows the dichotomy of an intellectual who talks but refuses to intervene in any matter. This is in stark contract with Rangavva, the unprotected widow, who stands up for her rights, even going to the extent of confronting a borrower with a sword to recover her money.
Kavitha has taken Vijay to attract the masses to this great saga of village life where gossiping and betrayal goes hand-in-hand with the deep love of youngsters who feel trapped in a traditional system which is gradually losing its importance. Vijay plays Bedara Manja, who is in love with Rangavva's daughter Savanthri (Smitha). The original story is not marred by the hot scenes between the young stars.
Shruthi gets one of the best roles of her career. As Rangavva, she is a force to reckon with and as Savanthri's mother, she is the typical mother. Even though she has to mouth a number of abusive dialogues in this film, she has accepted this challenging role. Vijay and Smitha fit their roles perfectly. Rangayana Raghu too has portrayed Bharamanna commendably.
The folk songs in the film are quite good with Shivane Ninna Aata Ballavar Yaaryaaro shining out. The cinematography in the film is truly great. Kavitha Lankesh shines again in a subject written by her late father.
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