Girish Kasaravalli is a well-known name in the national and international film circuit. His films have always stood out for realistic presentations. In the South there are only two film directors-Adoor Gopala Krishnan and Girish Kasaravalli- who would make films in their own way without compromising on committed values. Their films have always been appreciated by a cross section of the film audience for their authentic presentations and high voltage performances from lead artists. Girish Kasaravalli's latest film released this Friday (16th September) ''Haseena'' is one of his best films that deals with the trials and turmoil of a bold Muslim woman who fights for her rights.
''Haseena'' is an issue based classy film, which is based on a story written by well-known Kannada writer Bhanu Mustaq. Bhanu Mustaq hails from the coastal Karnatak region of Karnataka and has been steadfastly raising issues concerning the plight of Muslim woman who are exploited and tortured. It is certainly a high quality presentation.
The film has a strong emotional content with a pace narration which will be liked even by audience who are seeing films regularly in commercial circuit. The master crafts man that he is, Girish Kasarvalli has made some alterations for his script and has come out with a strong statement through this film. The technical wok of the film is top class.
''Haseena'' presents the touching story of a Muslim woman deserted by her husband. The film has deservedly won National awards for four people associated with the film including for its leading actress Tara who won the Best Actress National award for the first time. It has also won two additional awards in the category of Best Film under family welfare and Costume designing.
Haseena is a poor woman who works day and night to earn some money to look after her three daughters. Her husband has deserted her because she has not given birth to a mail child and is already on a look out for a marriage with another woman. Haseena has three daughters including a visually impaired teenager. Haseena wants her husband to return to her and complains about it to the local masjid authorities. In another development she also learns that her daughter's blindness could be cured. She starts to save money and also fight for justice. But in the quest of justice, she will be continued to be tortured by her husband. Haseena is prepared for a combat to get justice. But unfortunately she is rebutted and neglected by the masjid mutavalli. She becomes a pawn in the masjid politics.
Girish portrays the tragic tale of Haseena in a touching manner. A good crew backs him up with Ramachandra coming out best in the camera department. The art department and costume designing of the film has already obtained the recognition in the form of a National award. The song less film has a good background score by Thomas Issac.
Tara comes out with a sterling performance in the film and it is no wonder that the National Jury found her fully deserved candidate for the Best Actress award. She proves that she is one of the best actors in the country. Chandrahas Ullal who had worked in small roles in a few art films and who has worked for a theatre group has come out with a potent performance as a tormenting husband of Haseena. Well-known theatre artists Purushoththam and R.Nagesh have also done their roles perfectly. Ruthu and Chitra Shenoy have played their roles adequately.
''Haseena'' is a film that could be enjoyed by audience who look for creative output in films. The audience who are passionate about quality films should also see this film for Girish Kasaravalli's directorial talents and absorbing performance by Tara.
