Thithi
Description
In a small South Indian village in Karnataka (based on the actual home of the film’s writer, Eregowda), a cantankerous centenarian known as Century Gowda suddenly keels over and dies—setting the stage for a capricious comedy of errors among three generations of dissimilar sons. Century’s middle-aged grandson Thamanna, driven by money and status, is determined to acquire property that Century owned, but which now belongs to Century’s eldest son and Thamanna’s father, Gadappa. But Gadappa has little interest in the material world; with his long white beard and shoeless feet, he is an aimless roamer seeking freedom, simplicity and some cheap alcohol. For Thamanna’s cocky teenage son Abhi (who proves as inept as his father at good decision-making), lust and desire are primary motivations as he attempts to woo a female member of a tribe of nomadic sheepherders. Conflict, confusion, corruption and a series of ill-conceived actions all come to a head at the final ritual celebration for Century (the titular thithi), a grand (and expensive) affair attended by the entire village. With its charming cast of non-professional actors—both human and ovine—director Raam Reddy’s feature film offers a playful portrait of intergenerational conflicts and differences. —Joanne Parsont
Raam Reddy is a 25-year-old writer/director/producer. He studied photography, writing and film at St. Stephen’s College in New Delhi where he won several photography competitions, started writing his debut novel It’s Raining in Maya and wrote and directed several short films, including Ika (2011), which won awards at many international festivals. Reddy studied direction at the Prague Film School before developing Thithi, his debut feature, which won two top awards at the 2015 Locarno Film Festival: the Golden Leopard, Filmmakers of the Present and the Best First Feature Award. Reddy is the director of Prspctvs Productions, a small independent production house in Bangalore.
Trailer
//player.vimeo.com/video/158107944?autoplay=1Film Details
Language Kannada
Year 2016
Runtime 123
Country India/USA
Director Raam Reddy
Producer Pratap Reddy, Sunmin Park
Writer Eregowda, Raam Reddy
Editor John Zimmerman, Raam Reddy
Cinematographer Doron Tempert
Cast Abhishek H.N., Thammegowda S., Channegowda, Pooja S.M.