Director Vijaya Prasad's Thothapuri Chapter 1 (September 2022) dealt with a pressing societal issue while weaving elements of humour into its narrative, and offered a genuine and thought-provoking parody of caste, religion, and faith. The film delved into profound philosophical musings on how these elements are increasingly obstructing peaceful coexistence. Even though Chapter 2 gets a delayed release, a year later, the content still resonates with society's unchanging realities.
The character roster is as diverse and intriguing as the film's themes. There's Ere Gowda (Jaggesh), a farmer and tailor with a penchant for stitching blouses with Thothapuri designs; Shakeela Banu (Aditi Prabhudeva), a banker; Donne Biriyani Rangamma (Veena Sundar), the spirited owner of a military hotel; and Nanjamma (Hema Dutta), Ere Gowda's loyal assistant. In the midst of life's grand tapestry, the carefree spirits of Ere Gowda and his companions radiate an infectious enthusiasm for life. Their interactions are akin to fireworks, with some fun punchlines, double entendre dialogues, and occasionally evoking emotions from the audience.
Chapter 1 left us with the introduction of Victoria's and Narayan Pillai's characters, played by Suman Ranganath and Dhananajay, whose stories continue in Chapter 2 of Thothapuri, where the narrative takes an intriguing turn leading to a tale of love that unfolds between these two characters. Amid daily events steeped in religious practices and discussions, the film delicately explores the intersections of religion, caste, and unity, all while beautifully portraying the love between Victoria and Narayan Pillai. Victoria's initial rejection of Narayan's advances, her decision to become a nun, and her eventual pursuit of Narayan add layers of depth to the story.
The film skillfully weaves these intricate narratives into the backdrop of temples, churches, and travel, where each individual of different faith coexists without discussing religion. Instead, their personal stories take centre stage, creating a captivating tapestry of human experiences. The humour in the film is enhanced by the witty exchanges and conversations between characters. There is also Victoria and Narayana Pillai's love story, coupled with the romantic melodies of Baharo... by Mohammed Rafi, which infuses the film with a touch of romantic madness. Chapter 2 also provides a conclusion to Shakeela Banu's love for Ere Gowda, revealing how the latter confesses his one-time mistake while expressing his genuine feelings and both decide to spend their lives together.
While Vijaya Prasad's bold and audacious film does rely heavily on double entendres, which come across as daring, provocative, and unapologetically truthful, it does manage to elicit laughter. There are a few scenes that incorporate some light moments like Victoria's dance and Rangamma's scooter ride, and Jaggesh's punches. The subtle nods to Vijaya Prasad's previous work, Neerdose, sparks discussions about a potential multiverse of his films.
Thothapuri Chapter 2 adds even more complexity to the narrative, concluding with the structured concept of 'Sambhavana Samabalu Samapalu,' which reflects Dr BR Ambedkar's ideas about equality and serves as a solution to contemporary issues. Director Vijayaprasad, known for addressing critical issues with a dose of humour in his previous films, continues this trend in the Thothapuri series too. The film's narrative not only highlights the pressing issue of caste and religion hindering peaceful coexistence but does it through a blend of humour, philosophy, and introspection.
In terms of acting, without a doubt, Jaggesh delivers a powerful performance, confidently showcasing his strengths. While he aces on the comic front, he also leaves an indelible mark in the serious scenes. While Veena Sundar's bold performance takes the cake, Aditi Prabhudeva's innocence shines through. Suman Ranganath's portrayal of Victoria is exceptional, and so is Hema Dutta's timely act. Once in a while, Dhananjay enjoys experimenting with unconventional characters, and his role as Narayan Pillai gives him that opportunity.
Thothapuri is a cinematic journey that skillfully combines laughter, deep societal reflections, and a message of unity, reminding us that building a nation requires not only bricks but also hearts coming together in harmony, giving a fitting conclusion to the series.
Thothapuri Chapter 2 Director: Vijaya Prasad Cast: Jaggesh, Dhananjay, Aditi Prabhudeva, Veena Sundar, Suman Ranganath, and Hema Dutta Rating: 3/5
