Rangasamudra review: An edutainer made for children with a touch of philosophy on life

Children’s films in India often face challenges such as underfunded, under-loved and even under-watched. They are usually limited to film festivals, with barely a handful of them releasing like any other commercial movies.

Rangasamudra is an exception and managed to hit the screens this Friday, 19 January.

Is it another typical children’s film, or does it have any fresh elements which make it a good watch?

Well, let us dwell straight into the review.

Synopsis

The film is set in a village called Rangasamudra, located in North Karnataka on the borders of the state of Maharashtra.

It begins with a group of school-going children in the village planning to visit Bijapur city.

They are seen in front of a guest house, where Raghavendra Rajkumar, the son of Kannada thespian Dr Rajkumar, notices them getting drenched in rain.

The actor plays himself in the film. He asks his assistant to get the boys into the house. Later, he enquires about their whereabouts.

What unfolds for the next two hours is the reason why the boys leave their village in the first place.

Vivekanandan Viralaanu review: Kamal’s directorial talks about marital rape and ‘Consent’ for sex

A few good lessons

Rangasamudra is not a churn-of-the-mill commercial film, which comes with a usual template of either action or drama of various kinds.

It has good melodies and a bit of romance, but it is all between the school teachers.

The rest is about the leading boy who aspires to achieve his dream of owning a car for a reason.

Goobe aka Mahalinga is the only grandson of a respectable folk artist (portrayed by Rangayana Raghu) in Rangasamudra.

Amidst all the usual escapades of schoolchildren, the director infuses a few vital lessons on life through a few characters.

One such character is Sampath Raj — a wealthy, egoistic man who represents evil. The folk artists who live a respectable life reflect a humane side.

The lessons for children come when the wealthy man insults the artist to which the grandchild takes up a challenge. Will he be able to live up to it or not is the crux of the movie.

Also Read: MM Keeravani sings an emotional number for Kannada film ‘Rangasamudra’

Boring too

The makers have infused another story within the main plot, which revolves around the grandchild. And it is about the love story of a teacher.

Also, the screenplay and the making go hayward at times, with no connection whatsoever with the main theme.

However, surprisingly, the music makes it soothing to bear them to some extent. The final number, sung by Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani, certainly moves a year or two at the end.

All the child artists put up a good act to the best of their ability.

Rangayana Raghu and the teacher (played by Karthik Rao) fit the bill.

Verdict

Rangasamudram is not just a regular entertainer but aims to create awareness of why education is important for everyone.

You better watch this edutainer with kids for a lesson or two at the end!

(Views expressed here are personal.)