Guru Sishyaru (2022) User Reviews

Good Vibes: A Compelling & Tender Sports Drama From KFI

[samxxxul · 7/10 · 2 October 2022]

Well first of all let me start off by saying, it's so shocking to see not even a single review posted for this film. On the other hand, It is a great feeling sense to be the first to do so, it's an overwhelming process to share about a good cinema. The plot itself is not a discovery, even the theme of opportunity, retired coach, intertwined with socio-economic, exploitation by landlord and a scathing political critique is done to death. In 'Guru Shishyaru' director Jadesh Kumar Hampi who failed to make an impact with Gentleman (2020) proves with latest outing that he is a filmmaker on my radar to to watch out for. I was so taken a back when the conflict was revealed in the first half itself but the director still managed to find the genuine approach in order to translate this story into something worthwhile on the screens. I bet the majority will empathize with what is happening on the screen and expected turns of events that stimulate even more to watch it to the end.

To be honest, I went in blind completely unprepared in a 'tabula rasa' state and the experience? Extremely satisfying. I did quite enjoy actor Sharan's Avatara Purusha (2022) in parts but here i was expecting him to give a typical overstrained & constipated performance but honestly he pulled it off very well. But the main merit of the film is the supporting cast, the boys didn't mess up their parts and accentuated the narrative.

I am so glad that we are getting to see some good films from Kannada recently. Popcorn blockbusters like KGF 2, 777 Charlie, Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana being consumed on an unprecedented level with a super wide viewer base. On the other hand, indie films receiving appreciations, be it Thurthu Nirgamana, Arishadvarga, Rathnan Prapancha, Cutting Shop, Sakutumba Sametha and now Kantara which is one of the best films of the year. Guess Pedro will achieve the same feat when it is out. I strongly recommend moviegoers to check out these films and support such experiment with moral underpinning.

Coming back to this film, i guarantee it will leave a positive emotions to see the life-affirming sporting achievement of the team showcased in the runtime as well as superbly supported by strong acting, the humor is good and doesn't feel forced (English teacher scenes, the boy waiting for a wash after a dump, lot of gags are organic here). Kudos to the music director and a special mention for the background score as the overall tone wasn't typical folk, it is open, not too polished and fit the film perfectly. Brownie points for Ravichandran reference, i have been disappointed with his choice of films and disliked Ravi Bopanna. So it was fun to see the old Crazy star reference in the movie. Please go see Guru Shishyaru (2022) and please do not miss the post credit scenes which is definitely the harsh reality of Kho-kho sport. It is much than a sports drama, i totally recommended it for viewing!

Beautiful Movie

[krishnamurthysubramanya · 9/10 · 6 October 2022]

A great tribute to our old traditional sport of 'Kho Kho'. Anyone who knows the beauty of this game and its impending extinction will feel very strongly about this subject. Kho kho aside, this is a very well made movie with the sport in rural backdrop. Almost reminds one of 'Lagaan' which created the same effect with Cricket. Wish more people see this and would encourage the movie. In other departments (such as music), cinematography, this movie scores as well. Fortunately, there are no meaningless songs and whatever are there, are beautifully choreographed. And crafted. Please do go out there watch this in the theaters.

A Good feel sports drama!!

[adhiadarsh · 10/10 · 4 October 2022]

First of all I want to thank movie team choosing sports which is almost forgotten by everyone except some 90s kids. We want to support this kind of movies which showcases something about sports which are degraded(football, kho kho etc). Coming to movie almost everyone has done justice to their character Especially boys they have done excellent job to bring the Nativity of the game on screen and Hats off to their effort. Screenplay wise you won't be bored anywhere in the movie and you won't see any unnecessary scenes and songs added inbetween the runtime. Dialogues are well written and well directed movie.

I recommend everyone to encourage this type movies and support them. A good watch for everyone.

Wonderful with encouraging national game Kokko.

[hindhurashtra · 10/10 · 12 November 2022]

Superb.. family packed movie.

Congratulations for each and everyone of the movie team and co stars.

All are acted very well.

It will encourage each and evry sports personel.. most of the school children.

And also shows the team spirit and village people emotion support and Seniors encouragement lovely.

Very nice place environment choosen for movie.

Sharan acting.. swimming pool boy... animal catcher..small love story and their affection and reaction.

And ultimate videography and stunts in kokko court. Such a wonderfull game and express the game strength and its love.

In this movie negetivity -1%.

It's time for kho-kho to go mainstream.

[chand-suhas · 6/10 · 6 December 2022]

Director Jadesh K Hampi & team, forefronted by Sharan, come up with an honest village drama centering around the sport Kho-Kho. Sharan plays Manohar K, a PT teacher who is also a former national level kho-kho player who suffered to make a career out of it due to the public's general ignorance at the sport. Living with his old teacher who also had adopted him. When he finally lands a job as a PT teacher at Bettadapura, a village devoid of any basic facilities, he tries to make it through by neglecting the sport kho-kho despite the kids there being interested in it. How circumstances lead to kho-kho being the decider for not just Manohar & kids but also the fate of the village itself forms the crux of the story.

The film's runtime is lengthy as the director dedicates entire first half to set the story up, filling it with comedy scenes one expects out of a Sharan movie. There is also a teenage love story dealt sensibly while the main heroine character is a token one which somehow manages to raise above routine treatment in the third act. What makes this movie stand apart is the sport & once the focus is shifted entirely onto it, the film turns out to be highly engaging.

Sure, the screenplay has it's blemishes & even the sport is used as the major tool to resolve a civil case but all of this is done to play to the gallery. The real victory lies in how well they have presented the sport itself with it's intricate detailing which even I wasn't aware of. It doesn't get preachy & Sharan willing to take the backseat to let the boys take over, chipping in with a subtle performance in the last two acts shows his growth as an actor.

Definitely recommended for it's honest attempt.