Roopanthara Movie Review: A four-story Kannada anthology which offers a compelling look at the lives of its characters

Set in a city, the film portrays the lives of an old couple from North Karnataka, a drug-addicted teenager, a young police constable, a goon, and an IT employee, among others. These characters are interconnected through their experiences, reflecting different facets of society.

Review: The film's standout elements include Midhun Mukundan's compelling background score and Praveen Sriyan's striking cinematography, which enhance the narrative. The story of the young police constable, played by Bharath G B, is particularly gripping. It delves into his struggle to uphold justice in a system where his senior, despite sympathizing with the underprivileged, is reluctant to take a firm stand. This dynamic offers a thought-provoking commentary on societal norms and the challenges of doing what's right.

Another notable subplot involves a woman (Lekha Naidu) begging on the roadside, whose child doesn't appear to resemble her, leading to suspicions of child theft. This scenario sparks an exploration of societal perceptions and prejudices, particularly through the lens of an intellectual elite character who insists on her guilt without solid proof. This segment raises questions about the truth and the complexity of such situations.

The film is interspersed with moments of humor, especially through the interactions between the old couple. However, the narrative takes a darker turn, leading to tense confrontations, such as the fight between Shetty's goon character and the IT employee. Meanwhile, the drug-addicted teenager's journey reaches a climax with a final task.

While "Roopanthara" boasts an engaging storyline and a well-constructed screenplay, it falls short in fully conveying the depth of emotions the story deserves. Some parts of the film come across as preachy, with repeated messages that may feel overemphasised. Despite these shortcomings, the film offers a compelling look at the lives of its characters and the societal issues they navigate.