Gantumoote
Gantumoote () is a 2019 Indian Kannada language coming of age drama film written and directed by Roopa Rao and produced by Rao and Sahadev Kelvadi. Having previously directed short films and web series', this is Rao's debut feature film. Set in the 90s in Bangalore, this film follows the life of Meera, a high school teenager and her first tryst with love and the story that ensues. It had its world premiere in New York Indian Film Festival on May 11th 2019, and later released in India on October 18, 2019 and in USA on November 8, 2019 . "Gantumoote" won the Best Screenplay Award at the New York Indian Film Festival, being the first Kannada film to do so. It received critical acclaim upon release. Plot. Meera, a college graduate reminisces about her high school love. Meera, the school topper falls in love with Madhu, a carefree student. Their happy relationship takes a turn when Madhu fails in the board exams and Meera is as always the school topper. This stirs Madhu's ego, straining their relationship. But Meera helps and supports him for the re-exam but he fails in that too. Thinking of the disappointment and  shame he will bring upon his family, Madhu commits suicide, leaving Meera heartbroken. In present, she narrates how her life has been since Madhu's death and how she became distant from everything. She also mentions that she thought of committing suicide like Madhu but as she wants him to be a part of her, she is living by holding onto his memories. Soundtrack. The soundtrack and background score was scored by Aparajith Sris, and the audio was released on 23 September 2019. The music was recorded and produced at KrishT Inn Tunes in Bangalore, and mixed and mastered at  Tarang Studio. The backing vocals were given by Sri's, Deepak Seth, Eesha Suchi and Surabhi Soman. Reception. "Gantumoote" received positive reviews from critics. Karthik Hebbar of "The Hindu" called it "a precious gem", further appreciating it by remarking "the real beauty of the film though is in the narrative. The unabashed, unapologetic journey of a girl finding passion and exploring it without inhibition. The camera here gazes at the male body through the female gaze. It is her stare, her pursuit and her passion in play here. The cinema understands and disrobes the real world through this very unique  feminine gaze..." Baradwaj Rangan of "Film Companion" called it "exquisitely directed and enacted" and praised the director, saying that "Rao manages something very difficult. She holds a series of moods throughout, and the places she chooses to linger on are unusual. She is more interested in character than event, and she practically holds up an X-ray of Meera’s soul. Her framing is unfussy, and yet, there’s quiet beauty in the images of, say, Meera and Madhu against the backdrop of a stone wall. These are little snatches of visual poetry, as is Teju Belawadi’s face." There s Sudeep of "Deccan Herald" said, "Gantumoote" is a must-watch. It is not every day that you see a film getting a standing ovation as the end credits roll. "Gantumoote" is such a film." A Shraddhaa of "New Indian Express" said the film "does justice to the film’s tag line —baggage — and comes with its own sets of emotions and nostalgia, which take the audience to the good old days." and reviewed, "The subject of innocence and romance requires a certain dose of boldness to be portrayed on screen, especially in Sandalwood, since there are only a few  movies that have crossed the limit to project the feelings in a natural manner. Given an A certificate by the censor board, Roopa Rao’s romantic tale, "Gantumoote", does cross the conventional barriers, and kisses and cuddles become an innocent part of the story, never becoming vulgar." Harish Mallya of "The News Minute" called it, "a rare gem in Kannada cinema [...] Though it looks like a school romance story at the onset, the treatment is very fresh and unique for Kannada cinema." He further noted, "The challenge in making a film like this is that you do not have anything  new that can be told. It should turn out to be a collection of experiences. Watching the film, it clearly shows how carefully the team has chosen the moments and has captured those in the most realistic manner, devoid of any glorification and glamour. The charm lies in the simplicity which is apparent all over the film." Accolades. "Gantumoote" created history by becoming the first ever Kannada film to win the Best Screenplay Award at the New York Indian Film Festival.