As it happens, director Jadesh K. Hampi who was also a co-writer of the blockbuster Kaatera is bringing that same air of flavor to Landlord. Against a retro backdrop, the movie paints a vivid picture of the socio-political turmoil between the vulnerable and the powerful landlords in rural Karnataka.
The Plot: Fight for the Earth
The story is set 3-4 decades ago in a village, where every inch of its surroundings belongs to the landlords “Dhanis”. Narrative arc is as follows: Kodali Rachayya (Duniya Vijay), an ordinary man who has a one-time dream to own some small piece of land to call his own. But to landlords, handing land to a poor man is not a matter of money but of prestige.
They think that when the poor own land, they become “landlords,” destabilizing the existing social order. The movie chronicles Rachayya’s violent, emotional revolt against this system of oppression.
Powerhouse Performances
Duniya Vijay: As Kodali Rachayya, Vijay makes an earthy, explosive performance. His command of the Kolar-style Kannada dialect ensures an even greater sense of realism, and we are sure his fans will take joy in watching him at such an intense pace in his action sequences. Raj B. Shetty: Taking on a villainy role, Raj B. Shetty hisses with aggression.
Famous for his versatility, he plays the bloodthirsty, cold-blooded landlord with chilling precision. Rachita Ram: A de-glamorous, unapologetic village girl, Rachita does more than the commercially minded. She has great chemistry with Vijay and takes on a tough mom role.
The Ensemble
The film benefits from a great cast. Umashree adds considerable weight in her short-tempo visit; Ritanya Vijay makes a significant contribution. Achyuth Kumar, Bhavana Rao, and Sharath Lohitashwa also provide a good support cast for the performances.
Technical Brilliance
The film has the gift of transporting viewers back to the 70s and 80s. The rural scene is captured with stunning visuals, and Ajaneesh B. Loknath’s music gives the film soul. And between the songs and the background score, the emotional stakes of the battle climb.
Assessment: Commercial Drama with a strong Message
Landlord is a perennial “haves vs. have-nots” tale. Although the story follows many of the established tracks of the commercial film (the hero has to be upgraded to “superhero” status) it is still strongly connected to equality and land rights. A bit repetitive in its action scenes, you might think, but it is an earnest attempt to record the horrors of rural India's past for the world.
