My Hero Movie Review: A tribute to the human spirit beyond traditional Kannada Cinema

My Hero breaks away from traditional Kannada cinema by blending English and Hindi dialogues and songs, reflecting the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of its characters and their surroundings. Directed by debutant Avinash Vijaykumar, the film addresses sensitive issues such as caste discrimination and social inequality, which persist particularly in remote Indian villages. It handles its themes with care and insight, highlighting the struggles of marginalised communities thoughtfully and impactfully.

Director: Avinash Vijaykumar

Cast: Djilali Rez Kallah, Master Vedic Kushal, Dattanna, Prakash Belwadi, Ankita Amar, Eric Roberts, James Gioia, and Niranjan Deshpande

The film begins with a beautiful song that sets a reflective tone. This mood is further developed through the titular book, My Hero. We meet Gary (Djilali Rez Kallah), an American veteran discussing the book with his friend (Eric Roberts). The story unfolds in a flashback, showing Gary’s journey to India to perform Hindu rituals for his deceased son. What starts as a casual interest in Indian culture, sparked by social media, evolves into a deeper exploration of local traditions and human connections.

Gary’s journey becomes more engaging when he befriends Vishwa (Master Vedic Kushal), a young tour guide in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh. Initially, Vishwa’s role as a guide masks his complex emotions. Gary, moved by Vishwa’s charm and maturity, grows close to the boy, whom he affectionately calls his ‘Hero’. As Gary comes in contact with the local priest Dattatreya and the community in Maheshwar, he starts to shed his outsider status. His relationship with Vishwa deepens as he learns about the boy's reluctance to discuss his past. This discovery leads to a central conflict: whether Gary can help Vishwa confront his past and resolve the issues he left behind.

The film stands out also for the free-flow performances from Djilali Rez Kallah and other actors, including Ankita Amar, Prakash Belawadi, and Niranjan Deshpande. Some of them add emotional weight to the act of Master Vedic Kushal, who depicts a boy with a vibrant spirit overshadowed by a painful history. The film also takes us through some stunning visuals, beautifully capturing Indian forts and temples while even offering glimpses of American landscapes. The background score also plays a part in enhancing the emotional journey.

While My Hero goes beyond discussing caste-based discrimination and social injustice to highlight the power of human connections, Gary’s relationship with Vishwa fosters personal growth and cross-cultural understanding. Gary finds a new purpose through Vishwa, while the latter moves from a troubled past to seeing the former as a true hero.

In summary, My Hero is a tribute to the human spirit; the film tackles deep-rooted social issues with striking effectiveness. Through the perspectives of an outsider and a youngster, who has faced intense prejudice, the film highlights how true heroes can emerge from the most unexpected places and everyday interactions.