Will Justice be Served?

 

Two movies that I wish to talk about: "Act-1978" [Kannada] and "Naandhi" [Telugu].

 

 

"Act-1978" is a yesteryear's release that made it to the theatre screens post the Covid-lockdown. Starring Yagna Shetty in the lead, this movie is a well-scripted diatribe against corruption that mirrors the chain-link consequences of every individual's negligence in executing their respective duties. While the storyline appears to have already been in the niche, it still provides an outlet for great experimentation. A justice seeking individual is forced to becoming an outlaw is nothing new to the Indian cinema, however, the suspense and the make of character-roles have a tinge of newness. The attention-arresting cinematography, much expanded suspense, and very minimal yet effective locations throughout are some of the elements that deserve appreciation. The actors too, some already established, some amateurs and some entrants, all have performed their roles in the most convincing manner.

 

If the former movie boarders on the protagonist becoming an outlaw, then the latter movie is an exact opposite of fighting for justice within the circles of law and order. "Naandhi" is this year's release starring Allari Naresh in the lead. A blend of lock-up atrocities and courtroom drama, this movie has presented a sort of a naked truth about the legal system. I have always seen Allari Naresh as a comic artist and even if he is in the lead, the scripts are often comical. This movie has reversed the perception of how Naresh is portrayed. As much as a thinker a script can be, it still must work to cater to the masses, and there is drama and action to tick these parameters. Though the storyline is not extremely unfamiliar, what is important to note is that the protagonist alone doesn’t take the limelight, and every character is equally highlighted (this is something that often becomes a wanting factor in many films.

 

Both the movies made me tear up a little, and they held my attention throughout. While these movies have drawn references from world cinema, they still stand as individual accomplishments. This was about the structure of the movies, I now like to press on the issue of the much emerging theme of the inability of the government and its various systems. The protagonists here are no extraordinary heroes, rather a result of a failed government system. It in a way makes me question the legitimacy of such system, and thereby its extending laws (which for some reason imposes thoroughly on the voiceless). I am not saying that my mind is befuddled with fiction and reality, instead what I emphasize is simply that our reality is no different than fiction. That these protagonists are not only an image of a modern man/woman but also a modern image of a man/woman.

 

OTT Platforms:

"Act-1978" - Amazon Prime

"Naandhi" - Aha