The first few minutes of Natyam take us into the day-to-day life of Kalyani (Sandhya Raju). She lives in a tastefully done up house and does things one normally expects a married woman to do — cooking, tending to the needs of her school-going boy, her elderly in-laws and her husband, a cardiologist, who has little time to spare. She doesn’t grumble, not even when her husband tells her he won’t be able to make it to their son’s school function. But there’s something amiss in her.
Kalyani remains distant from her surroundings and goes about her life mechanically. In the time she gets to be alone and collect her thoughts, she writes something that she never posts. She reaches the post box only to retrace her steps. Several attempts later, she musters courage to post letters to her dad.
Revanth Korukonda’s 34.06-minute short film addresses the need for every woman to re-discover her little joys, nurture a passion, a hobby… that gets buried in the surmounting responsibilities. Here, we get a back story of what made Kalyani forgo her training in music and dance. A jolt from the past puts her back on track. She finds joy in dance and stretches herself to fulfil all her commitments. Motivation comes from everyone around, including her husband who has never seen her for what she is.
If one were to look at the film critically, it’s not without its shortcomings. It takes a while to get drawn into Kalyani’s world, more so because one has to look past that make-believe perfect world, where she’s always well turned out.
The connect with the character happens when Kalyani tries to sing in front of a mirror, and realises her inability to sing with a carefree attitude. Yet another scene captures her anxiety as she fumbles, pauses and looks at her co-dancers at the dance school. Sandhya Raju performs her role with grace and being a dancer, emotes well without going overboard.
A passing line from the father suggests that his daughter had worked with an MNC. The Kalyani we are introduced to had made her home her world and the reason she gave up working isn’t broached upon. Perhaps, the intention was to highlight her passion for dance and music than a corporate job.
The film is sponsored by a jewellery store. While it’s a commendable initiative to back a film that roots for classical dance, an entire scene dedicated to promoting its diamonds doesn’t gel with the tone of the film.
Director Revanth appears in a cameo and it’s a pleasure to watch Kuchipudi danseuse Alekhya Punjala as a teacher who makes the protagonist go the extra mile. The film also stars Vasudev Rao and Sanjay Raichura, has music by Prashanth R Vihari and Arun Varghese and cinematography by Shekar Ganganamoni & S.J Siddarath.
Natyam is available to view on YouTube at https://youtu.be/5gtSFseugFo
