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Kempiruve

Kempiruve (transl. Red ants) is a 2017 Indian Kannada-language drama film directed by Venkat Bharadwaj and co-written by Karthik Urs, a senior manager at Capgemini.[1] The film stars H. G. Dattatreya as Venkatesh Murthy, a retired middle-class man, alongside Sayaji Shinde, Umesh Banekar, Laxman Shivashankar, and Shreyas.[2] Set in Bengaluru, it explores the struggles of the middle class against the real estate mafia, using the metaphor of red ants to depict the resilience of ordinary people.[2][3] Released on 17 November 2017, the film received the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Screenplay in 2017.[4]

Plot

Venkatesh Murthy, a 65-year-old retired middle-class widower in south Bengaluru, is disrespected by his son and daughter-in-law, who view him as a financial burden.[2][5] After losing his provident fund and his late wife's savings to theft, he spends his days with friends at a park, where his wisdom draws the attention of Damu (Umesh Banekar) and his boss Naidu (Laxman Shivashankar), who run a real estate agency.[2] Initially lured into their business for money, Venkatesh uncovers unethical practices and resists the real estate mafia, highlighting the exploitation of the middle class.[2][3] The story emphasizes the power of ordinary people, likened to red ants overpowering an elephant.[2][3]

Cast

  • H. G. Dattatreya as Venkatesh Murthy, a retired middle-class widower
  • Sayaji Shinde as a politician
  • Umesh Banekar as Damu, a real estate agency worker
  • Laxman Shivashankar as Naidu, a real estate agency boss
  • Shreyas

Production

Directed by Venkat Bharadwaj, known for addressing urban issues in films like A Day in the City, Kempiruve was written by Karthik Urs, a Bengaluru-based tech professional making his debut in Kannada cinema.[1][3] The film was crafted to reflect the realities of Bengaluru’s middle class and the real estate sector’s impact on senior citizens.[6] Sayaji Shinde was cast as a politician, a role distinct from Dattanna’s central character, with no shared scenes between them.[7]

Release and reception

Kempiruve was released on 17 November 2017, despite warnings from the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce about a crowded release schedule.[8] It had its world television premiere on 5 August 2018.[9] The film received mixed reviews. The New Indian Express praised its realistic portrayal of middle-class life and strong performances, particularly by Dattanna and Laxman Shivashankar, noting its universal appeal.[2] The Times of India rated it 3/5, commending the engaging second half and performances but criticizing a slow first half and technical flaws like uneven camerawork.[5] Bangalore Mirror described it as a "worn-out drama" that fluctuated between quality and mediocrity.[8] Udayavani appreciated its social commentary, likening the middle class to volatile red ants.[10]

References

  1. ^ a b "People don't believe it is me, says a man who is senior manager at Capgemini and has written this Kannada film's story, dialogues". Bangalore Mirror. 14 November 2017. Archived from the original on 23 April 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "'Kempiruve' review: The film captures perfectly middle-class life and its angst". The New Indian Express. 17 November 2017. Archived from the original on 23 April 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  3. ^ a b c d "Middle class person is like a red ant - generous & volatile". Cinema Express. 16 November 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  4. ^ "State Film Award 2017". Deccan Herald. 2 October 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  5. ^ a b "Kempirve Movie Review". The Times of India. 17 November 2017. Archived from the original on 23 April 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  6. ^ "Antecedents of an aged existence". Deccan Chronicle. 8 November 2017. Archived from the original on 23 April 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  7. ^ Sudha Umashanker (16 November 2017). "Don't underestimate the power of senior citizens". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 April 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  8. ^ a b "Kemprive movie review: A worn-out drama". Bangalore Mirror. 17 November 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  9. ^ "Kempirve: World Television Premiere on Sunday". The Times of India. 3 August 2018. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  10. ^ "It is within our ant". Udayavani. 17 November 2017. Archived from the original on 23 April 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2025.