Shivamma Yarehanchinala Movie Review: A sincere depiction of rural life's grim truths

Shivamma Yarehanchinala, produced by Rishab Shetty, emerged from the festival circuit with accolades for its powerful narrative and gripping storyline, resonating deeply with audiences regardless of language barriers. In Jaishankar Aryar's feature film debut, it is non-professional actors like Sharanamma who take centre stage. Now, as the film hits theatres, do its raw authenticity and compelling storytelling continue to captivate viewers?

Director: Jaishankar Aryar 

Cast: Sharanamma Chetti, Chennamma Abbegere, Shivu Abbegere, and Shruthi Kondenahalli 

Set against the rustic backdrop of rural Karnataka, Shivamma Yarehanchinala's titular character (Sharanamma Chetti) is an illiterate yet resourceful village woman burdened with familial duties. Balancing her daughter Jytohi's (Shruthi Kondenahalli) impending marriage, son's education (Shivu Abbegere), and husband's illness, Shivamma's life faces unyielding challenges. When she encounters a dubious health elixir promising riches, her decision to chase prosperity sets off a series of consequences driven by her aspirations.

Director Jaishankar Aryar deftly exposes the often-overlooked struggles of women through Shivamma's unvarnished portrayal. The film's strength lies in its ability to keep audiences emotionally invested in the plight of the characters, played by non-actors, which is further enhanced by natural dialogues that underscore the director's innovative storytelling approach. While the narrative unfolds with an inevitable moral reckoning, some may find its pacing a tad languid, suggesting potential for tighter editing.

Despite occasional dips in momentum and uneven performances from its cast, Shivamma remains a sincere depiction of rural life's grim truths, which mirror the titular character's everyday battles. Her blind trust in the miracle elixir Nuracle, despite her son's warnings, symbolises a quest for a brighter future sealed with a thumbprint.

While Jaishankar’s execution may falter at times, its earnest portrayal and heartfelt narrative leave a lasting impression, offering viewers a glimpse into the enduring human spirit against all odds, especially in the last scene, when a customer returns to buy the product, hinting at a glimmer of hope.