Shivamma: A Spirited Take on Village Life

Jaishankar Aryar’s maiden feature film, produced by Rishab Shetty, is a humorous village drama powered by a strong lead performance.

Village women jogging in sarees, setting the tone for the film

The movie begins with a bunch of women in a village jogging and exercising in sarees. The scene is meant to generate giggles, but you feel the necessity of these homemakers to stay physically fit in the very next scene, when you see the men in the village either being lazy or unwell, putting the burden of managing household chores on women.

Shivamma (Sharanamma Chetti) is different from the rest. Of course, she works hard to run the family, which involves her ailing husband, college-going son, and a daughter who is set to get married. But unlike other women in her village, she is ambitious about her personal growth. Her spirited attitude convinces her to take up a second gig apart from her regular job of a cook at a government school.

“I will do it.”

Shivamma gets into a direct selling business (resembling Ponzi schemes) and begins to sell a healthy drink that, according to the makers, has the potential to miraculously solve various health issues. Shivamma’s quest to make big bucks through a risky business is akin to people in big cities trying their luck at multiple ventures for that extra bit of money. It’s impressive how the film, through Shivamma, proves that passion needn’t be an urban quality.

A series of hilarious incidents unfold when Shivamma unleashes her confidence. Dialogues, in particular, are funny; look out for how she says that from diabetes to gastritis to hair fall, the drink cures all ailments.

Shivamma’s marketing skills on full display

Shivamma’s marketing ability is another impressive quality. She convinces her friends to buy the drink by giving the example of her husband, who “is fit enough to sit and walk from almost being dead,” thanks to the shake. Her relentless attitude drives her to learn English, encouraging her friends to buy her product by saying the company’s slogan, “I will do it.”

A Delightful Take on Village Life

Jaishankar Aryar’s film is a humorous take on village life, powered by a strong lead performance. Shivamma’s spirited attitude and marketing skills make for a delightful watch. The film’s portrayal of village life, with its humorous take on the struggles and ambitions of women, is a refreshing change from the usual urban-centric stories.