Kaatera review: Cometh the hour, cometh Darshan as the Kannada star actor returns in full glory

Despite several films that earned accolades for their content, making and performances in 2023, the Kannada film industry has been longing for a promising superstar venture that could do wonders at the box office.

Finally, a glimmer of hope has emerged with Kaatera where Challenging Star Darshan made a huge comeback.

The film appeals to his diehard fans and is a treat for the class and mass audiences.

Based on a real-life incident, the film not only entertains us but also delivers a sensible message at the end.

Without much ado, let us see why Kaatera is a sensible film.

Synopsis

In the late 1980s, forensic experts are busy examining 107 human skeletons found near a village.

On the other hand, the villagers raise money to get their most loved one released from prison.

Soon, the court releases the man in focus on parole by considering his good conduct.

Who is the old man, what’s the fuss all about his return and why do some bad guys want him dead before he arrives? Also, is there a connection between him and the 107 human skeletons found?

Well, the next few hours into the film answer it all. Meanwhile, the wanted man is Kaatera, a blacksmith portrayed by Darshan.

With the timeline running back to the 1970s, Kaatera is seen living happily with his small family. However, it is that period where landlords rule over peasants with their own set of orders.

What happens next when the law “Tiller is the owner of the land” is enforced by the government is what Kaatera is based upon.

Related: ‘Kaatera’ pre-release event held in Mandya on National Farmer’s Day 

Darshan at his best

The sole star of Kaatera and its soul is Darshan, who outshines himself as an actor.

Unlike a majority of his previous films where commercial elements are packed in abundance, here director Tharun Kishore Sudhir neatly blends both commercial and quality content to near perfection.

The story, which the makers claim is based on a real incident, is the real essence of Kaatera. It showcases multiple layers of injustice meted out to the downtrodden sections of society by the rich and upper-class people.

Highlighting all of these and much more in an effective manner in a movie that rides high on stardom is a task in itself.

Propelled by the star power of Darshan, director Tharun pulls off the impossible.

Darshan comes in two different shades. He gives his best as a hard-working blacksmith to stand in support of the farmers for their rights.

The action sequences are raw to the core with the actor’s signature written all over them.

What works the best for the actor is his acting skills that get ample space in the film rather than just the usual heroics with few build-up scenes, fights and songs mixed with romance and drama to wrap it up.

Related: Indira Gandhi’s land reform, ’ Tiller is the owner’ inspires Darshan’s ‘Kaatera’

An underlying message

In fact, there is not just one but several messages embedded in the film.

Right from caste, class, and injustice meted out to the poor peasants, Kaatera throws light on when landlords back in the day used every trick to cheat farmers and ruthlessly ruled them over despite the government of the day enforcing laws such as “Tiller is the owner of the land”.

Human values also make a good presence in Kaatera with the finest support performances led by a group of talented artistes right from Shruthi, Biradar, Kumar Govind, and Avinash.

Drawbacks

The length of the film tests a bit of patience for those who are not used to watching movies beyond two and two-and-a-half hours in the recent past.

Like all good things take time, Tharun builds the momentum with titbits of drama coupled with emotions before he unleashes the real power.

While the songs are average, the background score — especially the signature tune — manages to keep the tempo high.

Also, the makeup, especially with Kaatera in his aged avatar looks shabby at places.

Verdict

From the story to some of the finest performances that come with a message is what makes Kaatera, a winner in the end.

Darshan is the biggest strength and adds more value to the whole scenario. Hence, it is a must-watch for his fans and offers more than a decent experience for the rest of the audience.

(Views expressed here are personal.)