Hemavathi: A testament to caste and social hypocrisy

Despite highlighting caste pride, social hypocrisy and rigid social norms, Hemavathi directed by Siddalingaiah, was sidelined in the history of Kannada cinema

The 17th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) held earlier this year, featured a segment titled, ‘50 Years of Cinematic Journey’ highlighting the contributions of commercial and art filmmakers, and honouring their impact on Indian and Kannada cinema. 

In this section, Hemavathi directed by S Siddalingaiah, was also screened. When it was released in 1977, the film went largely unnoticed even though actor Udayakumar won Best Supporting Actor at the Karnataka State Film Awards that year.

This recognition underscored the film’s contribution to regional storytelling, even though it did not get any other awards or nominations. Hemavathi is set in a Brahmin household and explores how rigid social norms and caste-based expectations affect the life of the protagonist, and reveals the emotional and social consequences of such systems.

Now, almost five decades later, Hemavathi gains gravity at a time when the film industry is witnessing a backlash against the item number in the Kannada film KD. 

S Siddalingaiah | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Speaking at a session at BIFFes titled, Rhythmical Strength of Existence, writer Sandhya Rani observed that social prejudices portrayed in Hemavathi remain prevalent, even if discrimination against women and lower castes exists in different formats today. Writer and film critic Raghunatha Ch Ha, said, “if a film like Hemavathi were to be made today, it would have faced hurdles and remained unreleased.”