Spécial dimanche

A beautifully simple yet visually captivating depiction of a schoolgirl's life in coastal Karnataka. The script is uncomplicated, drawing its tension from the everyday struggles that viewers can instantly connect with.

What truly stands out in this film is the unembellished portrayal of its characters, offering an authentic glimpse into local life, which lends the plot a genuine sense of realism. The film evokes memories of Shankar Nag's "Malgudi Days" and Majid Majidi's "Children of Heaven," creating a nostalgic charm.

One notable absence, perhaps intentional but something I personally would have welcomed, was a musical score or background track. The inclusion of local folk music in key moments could have added depth to the film's appeal, without detracting from its understated simplicity.

All in all, this is an impressive, heartfelt, and visually striking film that will resonate deeply with those who appreciate authentic indie cinema.

The story is a portrait on the hypocrisy of standards, policies, politics and religion that happens in everyday life from the eye of an innocent child who is just got a craving for chicken dish which gets disturbed due to these hypocrisies.

The first half gives a foundation for the story and the second half picks up the pace with subtle comedy added in between the line.

The movies shows a typical Sunday of a child in Malnad area of Karnataka and that Sunday happens to be Ghandi Jayanthi which is a non-violence day. The story revolves around the battle between the a child's craving and the standards of society.

Abhilash Shetty's Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa is a lovingly crafted cinematic experience that brings together food, family, and nostalgia in a setting soaked in the monsoon hues of Malnad. With his second feature, Shetty turns his attention to the small joys of rural life, told through the perspective of an 11-year-old girl and her yearning for something as simple as a chicken curry meal.

The story revolves around young Sneha (played by Samrudhi Kundapura), who eagerly looks forward to Sundays-not for cartoons or playtime, but for the special chicken curry that her family prepares. It's a weekly ritual, a highlight of her week. But one particular Sunday falls on Gandhi Jayanti, a day when slaughter is prohibited, leading to a quiet upheaval in the household. What begins as a small disruption soon evolves into a gentle, warm story about memory, food, and the relationships that bind a family together.

What makes Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa stand out is its ability to treat such a seemingly trivial conflict with sincerity and warmth.

Samrudhi Kundapura as Sneha delivers a wonderfully natural performance. Her innocence and quiet determination hold the film together. Around her, the ensemble cast fits snugly into their roles-their banter, disagreements, and shared silences feel lived-in. These are people we recognize from our own lives: the uncle who over-explains, the cousin who teases, the grandmother who communicates more with gestures than words.

Shetty, who had earlier impressed with Koli Taal, again proves his mastery in capturing the Malnad region not just as a backdrop, but as a character. The cinematography bathes the screen in rain-drenched greens, misty skies, and soft indoor lights. It's a visual treat that mirrors the emotional warmth of the story. The sound design, too, is minimal and immersive-letting natural sounds fill the silences instead of relying on music to direct emotions.

One of the film's most endearing qualities is how it explores the meaning of food beyond sustenance. The Sunday chicken curry is not just a dish-it's memory, celebration, connection. It reminds us how food is tied to our emotional landscape, how a simple recipe can carry stories, rituals, and identities. Sneha's anticipation is not just about taste; it's about belonging and routine, about being part of something that's hers.

The screenplay subtly touches on themes of tradition versus modernity, personal desire versus collective rules, and the passage of time. Gandhi Jayanti becomes a symbolic interruption, reminding the characters-and us-that even the most cherished routines can be disrupted by larger systems.

Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa is a charming and refreshingly original tale that unfolds on Gandhi Jayanti - a day when meat sales are banned across the country. But for one spirited 11-year-old girl, this national restriction is just the beginning of a wildly entertaining adventure. Her singular mission? To get her hands on some forbidden chicken curry.

What follows is a delightful journey through bustling streets, secret shortcuts, and unexpected encounters. The film masterfully blends humor, innocence, and a touch of rebellion, all seen through the curious eyes of a child determined to satisfy her craving. The narrative is light-hearted yet clever, gently poking at societal norms and taboos without ever losing its playful tone.

The performances, especially by the young lead, are full of heart and authenticity. The direction is crisp, and the cinematography captures both the chaos and charm of the day with warmth and vibrancy. The background score complements the film's quirky mood perfectly, and the pacing keeps you engaged throughout.

Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa isn't just about food - it's about freedom, desire, and the little adventures that shape our childhood. It's a must-watch indie gem that brings smiles, laughter, and maybe even a little hunger.

I recently watched Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa, and I have to say, it really touched me. It's a simple but powerful film about a young schoolgirl growing up in coastal Karnataka. What I loved most was how real and honest it felt-no unnecessary drama, just a beautiful slice of life.

The story isn't complicated, but that's what makes it special. It focuses on the small things in her everyday life, and somehow, that makes you feel deeply connected to her. You get to see her struggles, her little joys, and the bond she shares with her family and community.

Visually, the film is stunning. The way the coastal landscape is shown feels so fresh and nostalgic. One thing I noticed was that there wasn't any background music, which made the film feel even more raw and real. But I did think that adding some local folk songs could have made it even more emotionally powerful.

It reminded me a bit of Malgudi Days and Children of Heaven-films that are simple but leave a lasting impact.

All in all, I think Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa is a beautiful film that gives you a heartfelt glimpse into the culture and life of coastal Karnataka. Definitely worth watching if you love meaningful stories.