Though sporadic, Sandalwood has its own tradition of sports films. The latest and worthy addition to this list of films is Guru Sishyaru. This is only the second film of director Jadesh Kumar Hampi but he decides to tread a path few have ventured before. Though the film has all the regular commercial fare from a love plot to a caricatured villain, it remains a sports dram at heart.

The film’s protagonist is Manohara, a good-for-nothing lazy bum who could sleep all day. As luck would have it, he is forced to fend for himself and is packed off to a village where he has to work in a school for one year. That sounds like an easy task until things unrelated to him begin to unfold in the village. Unwillingly, Manohara is embroiled in the affairs of the village and is caught up in the midst of issues he never wanted to be part of.

It is a clear-cut narrative which does not deviate from its motive. There is of-course a love angle that Manohara has to deal with and the usual capers that village life brings about. But when what he had not bargained for hits him, it is for the tough man in him to do the talking. Manohara has to fight for his self-pride and to save the village. We know from the beginning that he is destined for this task. How he does it and how Jadesh Kumar showcases this heroic act of the underdog is the more serious, but also more entertaining second half of the film. Almost the entire second half of the film is dedicated to the kho-kho match. To the director’s credit he makes it worthwhile. The fun, thrills, excitement of the game and it being central to the plot brings out the cheering from the audience.

The script does not stick just to Sharan. There are stories of all the other characters entwined in the narrative. Each young player in the team has a story of his own and so do many of the other characters. That is what makes the film believable. It does not go over the top but uses interesting incidents to prop up the main plot.

Technically, the film is bang on and provides the right impetus to the narrative. The performances of the actors are also on the spot. Star kids making their debut in this film have performed well and should make these Sandalwood stars proud.

This is one of the best sports films to come out of Sandalwood and an enriching film for the entire family. Do not miss to catch this on the big screen. That is where all the richness and efforts behind this spectacle is best enjoyed.