A disturbing look at trust, trauma and accountability

Play: Kattala Neralu
Genre: Psychological drama
Rating: 4 stars
Cast: Balaji Manohar, Siri Ravikumar
Director: Venkatesh Prasad
Duration: 1hr 15mins
Language: Kannada

One simple set, two commanding performers — and a story that lingers long after the lights go out. The Kannada play Kattala Neralu, adapted from David Harrower's Blackbird, confronts a disturbingly familiar reality that needs to be discussed rather than be swept under the carpet. In a world where many women cannot confidently say they’ve never faced inappropriate touch or gaze, and where children — regardless of gender — remain vulnerable, the play holds up a mirror to truths society often chooses to ignore.

It underscores an uncomfortable fact: perpetrators are not always strangers lurking in the shadows. More often than not, they are people within trusted circles — a neighbour, a relative, even a friend. What deepens the tragedy is the silence that surrounds such abuse. Many incidents go unreported for years, allowing predators to operate unchecked, their behaviour normalised by the absence of consequences.

At the heart of Kattala Neralu, which translates to 'shadows in the darkness', is a confrontational conversation — one that unfolds years after a traumatic incident. The narrative moves between past and present, tracing the psychological landscapes of its two protagonists. On one side is the victim, once a trusting 12-year-old who idolised her father's employee - an older man, only to have that trust shattered. On the other hand, this predator who cloaks his actions in denial, blurring boundaries and convincing himself that his behaviour was harmless.

Balaji Manohar plays the 'predator' with unsettling conviction, while Siri Ravikumar embodies a young woman grappling with years of exploitation, betrayal and grief — wounds that no amount of therapy can fully erase. Their performances are raw and unflinching. The discomfort is deliberate, and the inescapable emotional weight comes with the revelation - 'Once a predator, always a predator'.

Beyond its narrative, the play raises urgent questions about consent, accountability, and the lifelong scars of abuse. By the end, even a seemingly affectionate term like 'Putti' (little girl) acquires a chilling undertone — a reminder of how easily innocence can be manipulated. Kattala Neralu will return to the stage this May, offering another chance to engage with a story that is difficult to watch, but important to witness.

Should you watch it?
If you’re prepared for an intense, unsettling experience that provokes reflection rather than offering comfort, this is essential viewing. It’s not an easy watch — but perhaps that’s precisely why it matters.
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