A slice of life

Given today’s scenario in the film industry, it requires tremendous guts and confidence besides nerves of steel to make a heart-touching film like ‘Minugurulu’. For, the subject may be offbeat to many but it is contemporary and relevant. Visual impairment is something we see around us. So do we see numerous orphanages! One hears of malpractices now and then in these places and in NGOs too. Director Ayodhya Kumar has combined the issues of visual impairment and malpractice in orphanages which is to the detriment of its inmates in ‘Minugurulu’ effectively. The film is a huge slice of life.

A blind school-cum orphanage is being run by one Reddy. The Secretary of the institution is Narayana (Ashish Vidyarthi), a notorious man with vices. He squanders the money meant for the children in gambling and drinking. He deprives the children of basic necessities (even food) and tortures them too. Into such a home enters Raju (Deepak), who loses his eyesight in a fire accident and is abandoned by his father. Initially, Raju is stubborn and doesn’t like the place but slowly makes friends with the other inmates. He broods as he was a budding filmmaker and had made his first ad film too till the accident. His dreams are unfulfilled. However, the school teacher (played by Raghuvir Yadav) one day mentions about the camera and then Raju has an idea. He asks Myna (the girl who sings beautifully) to request the milkboy Shiva (who was his friend) to get a handycam. With that he hatches a plan.

The film is largely realistic and hard-hitting too as it depicts real life situations and the struggles in the orphanage. Reality can be harsh and so is the film at times. But in times of adversity, many reconcile to their fate like the inmates in the orphanage do. But Raju acts like a beacon light here – a hope for many in the orphanage. Many who have their own passions and dreams – like cricket, singing, listening to mother’s voice and etc. So the director also portrays the positives and even infuses some humour in a stark, grim film. The reality portrayed in effect not just touches you but even disturbs one about the wrongdoings and malpractices in certain organisations. What is heart-warming is the spirit of the visually-impaired who stand up against all odds to come together despite their handicap.

Ayodhya Kumar scores brownie points for not just the screenplay and the direction but also for the casting and the locations. His choice of Ashish Vidyarthi and Raghuvir Yadav (both senior actors) is apt. Vidyarthi always excels in negative roles and here too one felt that he was the best to play that role. Raghuvir Yadav was brilliant as the visually impaired teacher. Suhasini Mani Ratnam was elegant in her short cameo as the collector. The main credit should go to the children Deepak (Raju), Sai (Shiva) and Myna (Rushini) and of course the visually impaired children too. The other supporting cast too come up with the goods.

Technically too the film scores high too. The cinematography, art direction and the music too fall in place. It’s not often that one gets to see such a meaningful film being made. Ayodhya Kumar Krishnamsetty should be complimented for touching a chord in us through ‘Minugurulu’. It’s certainly worth a watch. Hope it reaches as many viewers as possible!