Devara Naadalli (In God’s land), directed by national award winning film maker B. Suresh, received critical appreciation after two screening at BIFFes. It is on the growing religious intolerance in coastal Karnataka in recent years.
The film is inspired by a real incident that took place in 1998. It depicts how prejudices influence one’s perception towards others.
With Prakash Raj, Achyut Kumar, Mandya Ramesh and Sihi Kahi Chandru in the cast, the film was released in 13 multiplexes across the State on Friday.
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“The film is being released in Japan with Japanese subtitles and in Germany,” said Suresh.
The story opens with an explosion in a college. Though it does little physical harm, it succeeds in unravelling multiple narratives on how truth remains in complete contradiction with the indictment. Politics, fundamentalism and a tender love story — all come together to highlight the irony. The strength of the film lies in its multiple timeline narrative.
The film faced problems at the Central Board of Film Certification. “Finally, a revised committee comprising 18 members permitted release of the film with an U/A certificate,” Suresh said. “This itself was an experience on how prejudices dictate our thinking process.”
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On dealing with complex issues, including fundamentalism and divisive politics, he said, “I have raised only questions and along with the audience tried to explore reasons and answers for these issues. But, nobody leaves the screen with a sense of relief. They keep on asking questions, even after the film ends.”