Watch Bettada Thayi

Bettada Thayi is a critically acclaimed Kannada drama film that was released in 1986. The film was directed by P. Lankesh and starred Arathi, Leelavathi, and Shankar Nag in the lead roles. The film deals with the themes of poverty, casteism, and social inequality in a village in Karnataka, India. The story revolves around the life of a young girl, Malli, who lives in a small village with her grandmother. Her mother had abandoned her when she was a baby, and her father is unknown. Malli's grandmother works as a manual laborer and struggles to make ends meet. Despite their poverty, Malli is a bright and hopeful child who dreams of going to school and making a better life for herself.

Malli's life takes a turn when she meets a group of city students who visit the village during their summer vacation. Among them is a young man named Krishnappa, who takes a liking to Malli and decides to help her fulfil her dream of going to school. However, Malli's grandmother is hesitant to let her go, as she believes that education is not meant for girls from their community.

The film explores the themes of casteism and social prejudice that exist in rural India, particularly in relation to the education of girls. Malli's grandmother is portrayed as a strong-willed woman who is reluctant to let go of traditional beliefs and practices. On the other hand, Krishnappa represents the modern and progressive outlook towards education and social equality.

The performances in the film are outstanding, particularly those of Arathi and Leelavathi, who play Malli and her grandmother, respectively. Arathi brings a childlike innocence and vulnerability to her role, while Leelavathi's portrayal of the stubborn and conservative grandmother is searingly authentic.

The film's director, P. Lankesh, is known for his social commentary and his critique of the prevailing social, cultural, and political norms. Bettada Thayi is one of his most accomplished works, and it is widely regarded as a landmark film in Kannada cinema.

The film is also notable for its portrayal of the rural landscape and the natural beauty of the surrounding areas. The village and its surroundings are depicted in a visually striking manner, which evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler way of life.

Overall, Bettada Thayi is a powerful and emotional film that explores important themes relevant to Indian society, particularly in relation to education and social inequality. The film's strong performances, beautiful visuals, and timely message make it a must-watch for fans of Indian cinema.

Bettada Thayi is a 1986 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 11 minutes.