A Stirring Tale of Caste, Struggle, and Identity Movie Review: A Stirring Tale of Caste, Struggle, and Identity

By Susmita SameeraThe film opens on a poignant note with a powerful cameo by Yograj Bhat, portraying a grieving lower-caste man. Denied the right to perform his wife's final rites due to caste discrimination, he leaves the city and journeys into the forest in search of land where he can offer her a dignified farewell. Along the way, he encounters a family and challenges them to truly "touch" him—not just physically, but to recognise his humanity. When a young girl from the family dares to touch him, he says, “You're only touching my finger or my head. You must touch me with understanding to truly know and see me as human.” This profound moment sets the tone for an emotionally charged narrative, as the girl decides to accompany the man and his daughter on their journey. Together, they discover Bidarbunde Anjaneya, a sacred place where a tribal community eventually settles and lives for generations. As the story unfolds, the focus shifts to this tribal community. Muttarasa (Madenur Manu) leads a modest street band that performs at funerals—a livelihood shaped by the limited opportunities available to his people. Despite the passage of generations, the community continues to struggle for basic rights: proper housing, employment, and recognition. Supporting Muttarasa are his loyal friend (Tabala Nani), his love interest (Mouna Guddemane), and a sympathetic government official (Sonal Monterio). Together, they fight to reclaim their ancestral land and assert their right to a dignified life. Their struggle faces strong resistance from local thugs wanting to take the land. The villains—Islabhai (Seenu Bhai), his ruthless boss Rayappa (Sharath Lohithaswa), and Rayappa's violent brother-in-law (Dragon Manju)—stand for the powerful forces that keep people oppressed and displaced. At its core, the film offers a searing commentary on the persistence of caste discrimination and untouchability—sometimes overt, sometimes insidiously subtle. It emphasises that these issues are not only systemic but also deeply internalised, and that the journey toward equality must be both collective and personal. While the film’s intent to highlight systemic injustice is commendable, its execution can be heavy-handed. Emotionally intense scenes often lack nuance, which may hinder emotional engagement. Furthermore, the unresolved narrative provides little payoff for the characters’ struggles. Though performances and technical aspects are competent, the film nonetheless forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths—granting it a certain gravitas despite its shortcomings.