Harkara Review: A Melodramatic Glimpse into India’s Postal History

Harkara Review

“Harkara”, directed and headlined by Ram Arun Castro, is a curious peek into India’s postal past and present. It beautifully juxtaposes the stories of two postmen – the contemporary Kaali (Kaali Venkat) against the historical figure, Madheshwaran/Harkara (Ram Arun Castro).

Right from the outset, Castro’s storytelling prowess grips you. The film wastes no time in diving deep into the heart of Keezh Malai’s backdrop and Kaali’s personal challenges. A particularly evocative scene early on is the midnight interruption of Kaali’s slumber by a local, a scene that poignantly captures the village’s endearing naivety.

The Journey Uphill and the Slide Downhill

However, as Kaali’s uphill journey begins to deliver a much-anticipated letter to Mariyammal, the narrative unfortunately takes a downturn. The initial promise of intrigue becomes mired in overdrawn and avoidable subplots.

The history of postal services is undoubtedly fascinating. They were the conduits of secrets, key messages, and governmental communications, often to the remotest corners of the land. Harkara touches on this, especially during its flashback sequences that revolve around Madheshwaran. Here, the audience is privy to the multiple talents of Harkaras – martial arts, medicine, and more. Yet, these promising sections suffer from hasty resolutions and superfluous storylines.

Misplaced Romantics and Underwhelming Heroics

A considerable screen time devoted to Madheshwaran’s romance with Durga (Gautami Chowdry) further dilutes the film’s core theme. The unexpected love song, especially when the narrative tension is at its peak, is jarring. One wonders why these elements weren’t pruned during editing. The climax of Madheshwaran’s story, involving his defiance against the British, lacks depth, making the protagonist’s choices appear sudden and his heroism somewhat diminished.

Emotional Resonance vs Melodrama

Harkara’s climactic moments do tug at the heartstrings. The sacrifice made by the protagonist is moving. But perhaps a deeper exploration into the emotional turmoils, rather than physical afflictions, could have left a more indelible impact on the audience.

Conclusion

Despite its imperfections, “Harkara” doesn’t fall short of surprises. Without giving much away, the audience is left with little doubt regarding Kaali’s eventual decision. Castro cleverly highlights a forgotten facet of Postal services, ensuring that the film’s essence remains with viewers long after the credits roll.

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