Dhanam

Different yet diminishing

Cinema is a powerful medium beyond any doubt. Any idea propagated through films reaches the audience easily and makes considerable impact in their minds. And handling it in a right way is a tough job. Has cinematographer-turned director Shiva, who dealt with a difficult subject in Dhanam, emerged triumphant?

Well, it is a million dollar question which needs to be debated, for the film shows a particular community in bad light, one has to say. The movie may also spark criticism and brickbats, thus bringing more attention to it.

As the title suggests, the film's protagonist is Dhanam (Sangeetha), an acclaimed ‘Dhasi’, who is committed to her profession. Falling in love with her is a regular customer who happens to be a Brahmin.

He marries Dhanam and takes her to his hometown where his family members vehemently oppose to the wedding. However, they accept Dhanam, only after an astrologer (Kota Srinivasa Rao) predicts that she would bring wealth to them.
The reason behind the astrologer’s words is that- he once tries to sleep with Dhanam, but fails in his effort due to monetary reasons. Even as he pressurizes Dhanam to succumb to his intensions, she faces similar problems from her in-laws too.

At one point of time, Dhanam takes a bold decision and returns back to her profession. What forced her to decide so is the knot of the movie.

Sangeetha goes a bit overborad in her attempt to touch reality. Ilayaraja’s music is a major strength to the movie, though the songs remind some of the yesteryear numbers. Cinematography by Jeeva, who passed away while shooting his directorial venture Dhaam Dhoom, is clean and clear.

The director could have avoided controversial scenes to make the movie a welcome addition in the genre of ‘different films’.

Dhanam – Sorry tale