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ಫಣಿಯಮ್ಮ | Phaniyamma
B•Cinematic: Must-Watch Films Before You Die
Speaker
1983 | 118 Minutes | Kannada
Phaniyamma was married at the age of nine, when the wedding ceremony seems like just another enjoyable game. But when her husband dies of a snake bite, she is deprived of childhood’s pleasures with one cruel blow and is ostracized from society. Phaniyamma’s story is the depiction of how widows are treated in traditional Hindu society.
This month’s film featured in our informal film club is Phaniyamma (1973)
“Phaniyamma,”is a renowned Kannada drama directed by the trailblazing Prema Karanth. This 1983 film, based on M.K. Indira’s novel, tells the poignant story of Phaniyamma, a young widow who navigates societal challenges and personal struggles with courage and resilience.
“Phaniyamma” has received critical acclaim, winning the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada. As the first female director in Kannada cinema, Prema Karanth brings her theatrical expertise to the screen, making this film a significant piece of Indian cinema history.
Stage personality Prema Karanth’s directorial debut adeptly adapts M.K. Indira’s major 1976 novel. The story, based on the real life of Phaniyamma from the village of Hebbalige in Malnad, Karnataka, spans from 1870 to 1952. Phaniyamma (Sharada Rao), born into an upper-caste family, is married at age nine and widowed shortly after. Despite the harsh societal norms imposed on widows, she grows into a strong and wise woman, defying conventions by helping an Untouchable woman give birth and supporting a young widow’s rebellion against orthodox norms.
Told mostly in flashback, the film captures the spirit of the original work through Sharada Rao’s dignified performance. It portrays not a radical critique of society but a purification of tradition adapted to modern conditions, conveyed through evocative close-ups and dynamic editing. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a powerful story of strength and tradition.
B•Cinematic celebrates the resilience and spirit of Phaniyamma, an enduring figure in Indian literature and film. The film will be introduced by film writer, scholar and maker, Soudhamini.
Film Credits:
- Director, Producer, Writer, Screenplay, Dialogue, Costume Design: Prema Karanth
- Story, Dialogue, Adaptation (Based on Novel): M K Indira
- Associate Director: P J Sudheer
- Cinematographer: Madhu Ambat
- Editor: Aruna-Vikas
- Composer: B V Karanth
- Lyricist, Singer: Chandrasekhar Kambara
- Singer: S Janaki
- Re-Recording: C D Vishwanathan
- Art Director: K S Sridhar
- Stills: R Srinivas
- Publicity Design: Sahana
- Make-Up: Mallesh
Cast: L V Sharada Rao, Baby Pratima, Pratibha Kasaravalli, Archana Rao, Dasharathi Dixit, H. N. Chandru, Vishwanath Rao, Kesargodu Chinna, Shri Pramila, Anant Nag
About B•Cinematic
Calling all cinephiles! BIC is thrilled to present B•Cinematic, an initiative dedicated to celebrating the most essential, impactful, and artistically significant cinematic works from across the state and the country.
At B•Cinematic, our mission is to curate and share those remarkable films that is a must-watch (or re-watch) experience for every passionate cinema lover. From groundbreaking classics to under-appreciated gems, our carefully curated selection will take you on an unparalleled (pun not intended) cinematic journey through the ages.
Through curated screenings, insightful discussions, and engaging analyses from distinguished cinematic voices, we aim to not only watch these films together but to truly appreciate their craftsmanship, cultural impact, and intellectual depth. Our vibrant community of film aficionados will collectively rediscover Indian cinema’s most stunning and enduring masterpieces.
So join us on this quest to experience the films that have defined and redefined the art form. Don’t miss out on crossing these essential works off your bucket list. Because to truly live, you must first watch the films that make life worth living.
Speaker
Soudhamini
Soudhamini began her professional career assisting avant garde film-maker Mani Kaul in his film Before My Eyes and has since then worked across platforms and genres making short fiction, feature length non-fiction and experimental installations. Commissioned by the Government of India, the ZDF, Dept Das Kleine Fernsehspiel, Germany, the Prince Claus Fund, Netherlands and most recently the Australia Council for the Arts these films have been creened globally, at the Oberhausen Film Festival, the FID Marseille, Creteil International Women’s Film Festival, Cinema Du Reel, Festival du Popoli, Asia Society, New York and Leningrad International Documentary Festival to name a few, they have also had regular screenings at the Indian International Film Festivals (MIFF and IFFI). She has recently completed her first Cinematic VR feature length film Ode to Uśas: This time let’s get the Dawn right. (2023).
Soudhamini has a PhD in Film and Immersive Media from Deakin University, Melbourne (2023) a Post Graduate Diploma in Screenwriting and Direction from the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, FTII (1986) and an MA in English Literature from Stella Maris College, Madras University (1995). A Fulbright Nehru Research Scholar (2017-18) and a Senior Research Fellow (2002-04) Department of Culture, Government of India, she is also trained in the Carnatic Saraswati veena. She publishes regularly in peer reviewed journals on film and immersive media globally, and has taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels in India, USA and Australia.
