- Director: Islahuddin NS
- Producer: Basavaraju S
- Executive Producer & Music Director: Nagesh Kandegala
- Ratings:
Mysore/Mysuru, October18, 2024: Anna is a heartfelt film that beautifully captures the essence of human longing, familial love, and the societal realities of rural Karnataka in the 1980s. Based on Hanur Channappa’s Kannada Sahitya Akademi award-winning short story, Anna is brought to life under the Gagan Pictures banner, with Basavaraju S as producer. His commitment to supporting stories that resonate with authenticity shines through in this cinematic gem.
At the helm, director Islahuddin NS skillfully layers Anna with subtle nuances, each scene revealing the depth and complexity of its characters. The film transcends language, culture, and time, allowing it to connect deeply with audiences across backgrounds and generations. Special recognition goes to Executive Producer Nagesh Kandegala, who initiated this project seven years ago and saw it through with immense dedication. As music director, he enhances the emotional landscape with his soulful compositions, even singing the touching Aaseyemba Kudure Eri and making a cameo appearance, showcasing his versatility.
At the heart of Anna is Maadeva, an 8-year-old boy from a poor family, whose simple dream of tasting white rice serves as a powerful metaphor for aspiration. Growing up in Kannur, a drought-prone village, Maadeva’s family can only afford ragi mudde (finger millet balls). To him, white rice—an unattainable luxury—embodies a universal desire for a better life. The film takes a poignant turn when Maadeva goes missing at a local fair and is taken in by a wealthy landlord in Bannur. The contrast between his humble upbringing and his new life of abundance serves as a metaphor for the socio-economic divides that continue to shape society, while the emotional tug-of-war between the comforts of privilege and the love of his biological family becomes the beating heart of Anna.
In a Caucasian Chalk Circle-like scenario, Anna delves into the emotional struggle between two mothers—Maadeva’s impoverished biological mother and his wealthy adoptive mother, a landlady. This poignant conflict brings to light their contrasting worlds: one represents the poor man’s ragi, while the other embodies the rich man’s rice. As they vie for Maadeva’s guardianship, the film explores the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the profound question of where Maadeva’s true home lies.
Master Nandan G.M. shines as Maadeva, his portrayal embodying innocence and resilience. On the side of the have-nots in Kannur, Sampath Maitreya and Padmashree C.R. deliver powerful performances as his struggling yet loving parents. An array of supporting characters, including Ravi Prasad, Hunsur Raju Ketahalli, Manju Ashwin, Basavanna Mookalli, Nagesh Kandegala, Pushpalatha, Geetha Achar, Kathyayini Yashomithra, and Indira Nair, add depth to the story, with Ramesh S.P. standing out for his impeccable comic timing as Rayappa.
In Bannur, Bala Rajawadi, Dr. Bhuvana Mysore, and Nagashree C.M. offer a glimpse into a more privileged world, portraying Maadeva’s adoptive family with nuance. Bala Rajawadi delivers a commanding performance as Panagara, the landlord, while Dr. Bhuvana Mysore brings warmth as Saroja, the compassionate landlady. Nagashree C.M., as Nandini, their teenage daughter, provides a touch of youthful spirit, with Mithun Mallana as Basavaraju, her love interest, and Abraham D Silva as Dibbajja, the wise and aged servant, rounding out the cast in Bannur.
The musical direction by Nagesh Kandegala elevates Anna’s emotional depth, with five beautifully crafted songs that enhance the storytelling. Each song, with lyrics penned by Dr. N.K. Lolakshi, Champa Shivanna, and Islahuddin NS, enriches the narrative and leaves a lasting impression. Performed by talented artists like Raghu Dixit, Anil C Raju, Ruthwik C Raj, and Chintan Vikas, each piece is a gem, seamlessly woven into the film at just the right intervals. These songs never lose their charm, keeping viewers engaged and drawing them deeper into Maadeva’s journey.
Cinematographer Madhu Sugata’s visuals brilliantly contrast the dry fields of Kannur with the lush paddy expanses of Bannur, reflecting the disparities between poverty and privilege. The art direction by Maheshwara N, assisted by Parameshwara N, meticulously recreates the 1980s, grounding the story in its era and adding authenticity to every scene. The costumes by Kathyayini Yashomithra and Dr. Prayag H.S. further enhance the storytelling, with color palettes that highlight the film’s dual settings.
The film’s strength lies in its portrayal of not only one boy’s desire but also the resilience of the human spirit. Anna resonates deeply, especially with viewers who see themselves reflected in Maadeva’s journey. The use of the Chamarajanagara district’s local dialect adds authenticity, creating a heartfelt connection with audiences at a grassroots level. The entire team behind Anna has brought this story to life with sincerity and dedication, proving that a film doesn’t need a big budget to leave a lasting impact. While many high-budget films struggle to make an emotional connection, Anna has touched hearts with its grounded storytelling and relatable characters.
The film’s recognition by Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, who recently watched it, underscores its cultural and emotional significance. As Anna prepares to celebrate 50 days in theatres on October 25, 2024, this milestone stands as a testament to the collective effort of everyone involved. It’s rare for a small-budget film without major production backing to achieve such success, yet Anna has proven that with passion and authenticity, a story can indeed move mountains.
It is a noteworthy achievement that Anna has garnered praise not only from common audiences but also from prominent literary and creative circles, as well as notable figures across the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, highlighting its cultural significance and universal appeal. The film was first discussed in the Assembly and subsequently had a special screening for MLAs, attended by the Honourable Speaker, Sri UT Khader, who commended its heartfelt message. Sri Siddu Savadi, BJP MLA from Athani, later expressed in the Assembly the importance of showing Anna to children across Karnataka, emphasizing its focus on the value of food, its educational impact, and inspiring narrative. Chief Minister Sri Siddaramaiah, a strong supporter of the film, has praised Anna on multiple occasions for its honest portrayal of rural life and the struggles of marginalized communities, underscoring its relevance for the people of Karnataka.
In the end, Anna is more than just a movie; it’s a celebration of the human spirit and a reminder that even the smallest stories can have the greatest impact. It’s a film that makes you laugh, cry, and reflect on the things that truly matter. This is a story that deserves to be celebrated, not just for its cinematic brilliance, but for the heart and authenticity brought to it by a team of passionate storytellers. You’ll find yourself engaged throughout, as Anna is a film that never allows a dull moment.
As it heads toward this grand milestone, Team Anna deserves the support of Kannada movie-goers and a standing ovation for setting a benchmark for aspiring filmmakers who aim to bring rooted stories to the big screen. With English subtitles, Anna extends its reach to non-Kannada-speaking audiences, inviting everyone to share in its heartfelt journey. Watching it in a theatre is an experience that lingers—one you’ll be grateful to have witnessed and supported firsthand.