“Kaalapatthar” Film Review: Celebrating Profound Human Bonds and Honoring Dr. Rajkumar’s Legacy

The narrative takes a somber twist when Ramesha passes away, leading Suresha, resolute in keeping their promise, to entomb him in ice.

In a crucial pre-climax moment of Kaalapatthar, a psychiatrist, portrayed by Achyuth Kumar in a striking cameo, shares a haunting parable with Shankara (Vikky Varun), a cook in the Border Security Force. He tells the story of Suresha and Ramesha, two friends who embark on a treacherous journey and vow to see it through for one another.

The tale takes a dark twist when Ramesha dies, prompting Suresha to honor their promise by burying him in ice. Yet, each morning, Ramesha’s body mysteriously reappears, illustrating a relentless cycle that emphasizes Suresha’s unbreakable bond with his friend. This parable serves as a poignant allegory, mirroring Shankara’s profound attachment to a statue featured in the film.

Sathya Prakash, the creative mind behind this compelling narrative, intricately weaves inner metaphors throughout Kaalapatthar. Vikky Varun’s directorial debut adeptly brings Prakash’s story to life, capturing the essence of deep connections while delving into the complexities of obsession and emotional endurance that shape the human experience.

The film begins with a nostalgic vibe, echoing Dr. Rajkumar’s timeless song, ‘Idu Yaaru Bareda Katheyo.’ This sentiment is reinforced through recurring musical themes and evocative visuals of the protagonist interacting with cherished photographs of Rajkumar.

Set in the village of Mudalapura, the narrative unfolds in a landscape where each street bears symbolic names like ‘Rajana Katte’ and ‘Sachin Beedi,’ accompanied by philosophical proverbs such as “Eesa beku, iddu jaisa beku” and “Kayakave Kailasa.” These elements contribute to a profound exploration of identity and legacy, providing a rich context for Shankara’s emotional journey.

Shankara’s journey from being a cook in the Border Security Force to taking a stand against terrorism showcases his incredible courage, earning him a heartfelt tribute. His village decides to honor him by erecting a statue, with prominent figures like Gowdru (Nagabharana) and the song ‘Gorukana Gana’ underscoring the statue’s importance. Despite facing financial difficulties, the villagers choose to use the titular black stone, Kaalapatthar, for the statue. The unveiling ceremony, led by MLA Puttaraju (Rajesh Nataranga), captures the attention of many, and through social media, the story behind the statue receives widespread recognition.

Yet, amid the festivities, political tensions begin to surface as villagers voice their frustrations over unmet basic needs, such as water supply. During this time, Shankara, on leave and enjoying moments with his family, friends, and his love interest Ganga (Dhanya Ramkumar), remains committed to addressing these community concerns.

As the narrative unfolds, Shankara becomes increasingly obsessed with the statue. What initially stands as a symbol of his bravery evolves into an integral part of his identity. He develops an almost mystical bond with it, sensing changes in the weather as if they affect him personally. This obsession compels him to enlist the help of friends to safeguard the statue, guarding it fiercely against any perceived threats, believing that any harm to it equates to harm to himself. When a geologist proposes that water sources may be found near the statue, Shankara dismisses the suggestion, trapped in the grip of his fixation.

This profound attachment and its ramifications lie at the heart of Kaalapatthar, examining the thin line between honor and obsession and how it influences one’s life. Vikky Varun’s directorial debut provides a compelling reflection on modern-day obsessions, whether they are with individuals or material possessions, and his storytelling choices resonate deeply.

Integrating Dr. Rajkumar’s legacy through vintage photos and songs significantly enriches the film’s themes, showcasing how fans elevate their idols to almost mythical heights. Vikky Varun, in his role as Shankara, breaks away from the traditional hero archetype, blending perfectly with the film’s introspective tone. Meanwhile, Dhanya Ramkumar plays a more impactful role than merely being Shankara’s love interest. The diverse soundtrack by composer Anoop Seelin enhances the narrative, infusing it with a sense of patriotism and authentic rural vibes, while Sandeep Kumar’s cinematography effectively captures the film’s emotional depth.

However, the film does face some challenges, particularly in depicting Shankara’s internal struggles. The development of his obsession feels somewhat lacking, which diminishes the potential for increased dramatic tension. The touching conclusion, featuring Shankara’s reflective session with a psychiatrist and his deep admiration for Dr. Rajkumar, stands out as a crucial moment.

For fans of Dr. Rajkumar, this film is particularly meaningful as it intricately weaves his legacy into a rich, symbolic narrative, ensuring his memory remains vibrant. On one hand, Kaalapatthar delves into whether Shankara will find his purpose again and return to his duties, offering a contemplative resolution to his journey. On the other hand, it questions whether a stone—symbolizing enduring connections—can truly reflect our innermost selves, express our deepest emotions, and create lasting bonds.

Kaalapatthar

Director: Vikky Varun

Cast: Vikky Varun, Dhanya Ramkumar, T S Nagabharana, Rajesh Nataranga, Basu Hiremath, Kanthraj Kaddipudi, and Sampath Maitreya

Rating: 3.5/5