Kannada (U) ¬¬
Director: S V Suresh
Cast: Sharath Lohitashwa, Sonu Gowda, Rajeev, Thulasi, Sundar Raj and Ramakrishna
Talking of oppression born out of class divide, gender discrimination and the like may seem out of place in these days of equal opportunities.
But then, recent developments witnessed by society also forces a rethink on these issues. Stree Shakthi tries to bring these issues to sharp focus, giving a sharp prod to an otherwise somnambulent society.
Director Suresh has chosen the lush locales of Mudigere, Kalasa and Horanadu to bring some of the cruel facets of man to the fore. Deshmukh, the planters' association president and the largest landholder in the area is a known woman-hater.
He also feels that hired help is there only to serve and not complain about facilities or their lack.
His temper rises a few notches when the womenfolk of his plantation workers ditch work one day to form a self-help group, with government aid. His foreign-returned son doesn't help matters, taking on the other planters for their inhuman behaviour and spending time with the workers.
His closeness to Rani, a worker's daughter, is easily misunderstood and Deshmukh is forced to get the two married. His only stipulation: no girl child should enter his house!
Turns out that his daughter-in-law is carrying a girl child after all. Does he succeed in his plan to get rid of the foetus and mother? Or does Rani succeed in changing this man with a stone heart?
Sharath Lohitashwa is the life and soul of the film. Breathing fire with eyes and mouth, he is a treat to watch in an otherwise drab affair. Newbie Rajeev has miles to go while Sonu and Thulasi have very little to do. Sundar Raj is confident while Ramakrishna looks out of place in the worker's colony.
The film touches upon the social menace only on the surface, which is a disappointment. Manohar's music is soft and soothing while Shashidhar's camerawork doesn't disappoint. A taut narrative could have helped this film. This Stree Shakthi lacks energy.