Thithi

Thithi is a distinctive, heartwarming, and comedic drama that captures the essence of rural life in Southern India. This feature film, directed by Raam Reddy and released in 2015, is set in a remote Kannada village. The film stars non-professional actors like Thammegowda S., Channegowda, and Abhishek H.N., chosen by the filmmakers for their authentic and powerful performances.

Before delving into the plot, it's important to note the film's title. "Thithi," in the Kannada language, refers to the period of mourning following a loved one's death. The title aptly frames the plot, which unfolds around an exceptionally peculiar funeral.

Centaur, an irritable, cantankerous 101-year-old man in the village dies, leaving behind three generations of sons. Each man faces a unique journey in dealing with Centaur’s demise, marked by different priorities and perspectives, allegorically paralleling the stages of grief. Thithi explores the 11 days post Centaur's passing, and how his loss affects and intertwines with the lives of our three central characters.

At the forefront is Gadappa (literal translation, 'beard man'), played by Channegowda. As Centaur’s eldest son, Gadappa lives on the fringes of society, embodied as a free-spirited yet detached figure who spends his days wandering the landscape, smoking 'beedis' and drinking alcohol. His eccentric behavior is contrasted by his brother Thamanna (Thammegowda S.), who wishes to claim control over their father’s land.

In the midst of the conflicting desires of the elder sons, we are introduced to Abhishek H.N., who gives a remarkable performance as Abhi, the youngest grandson. He embodies youthful exuberance, impulsiveness, and the reckless yet endearing spirit of adolescence. His fascination with a spirited, young shepherdess invigorates the film with youthful charm and brings depth to the storyline.

The setting of Thithi is a character with a life of its own. The village, with its unpaved roads and rustic charm, serves as the heart of the narrative. To prepare us for the world we are about to experience, we see simple homes, cattle grazing, women in colorful sarees fetching water, and the everyday hustle of hardworking villagers over stunning cinematography. The impact of globalism on rural society is subtly alluded to, epitomized by the arrival of an infrastructural construction crew, symbolizing the inevitable arrival of change.

As we journey through the film with these characters, their stories, and the landscape they inhabit, we are privy to a deeper understanding of their lives, dreams, and aspirations. Thithi captures the dance between tradition and modernity in its vibrant characterization and plot.

Raam Reddy’s mastery lies not just in his sensitive storytelling but also in eliciting naturalistic performances from his cast of non-actors. This, coupled with the intricate and captivating screenplay, co-written by Eregowda, elevates the film to universal magnificence. In 2016, it won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada and multiple awards internationally, firmly cementing its place in the annals of notable world cinema.

With its distinctive flavor of humor, exploration of rural life, complex characters, and genuine portrayal of the circle of life and death, Thithi gracefully reminds us all of the enduring spirit of humanity in its comical, tragic, and beautiful unpredictability. Merging authenticity and artistry, Thithi is a captivating watch that bridges the gap between reality and fiction, illustrating the beauty of rural India and life in its purest form.