In the Belly of a Tiger : “In the Belly of a Tiger” Review

In the Belly of a Tiger: I had the privilege of viewing “In the Belly of a Tiger” before its official screening at the Berlin Festival. The last 20-30 minutes of the film left me euphoric, forging a deep connection with the characters—a sensation reminiscent of my recent experience with the Kannada film “Swathi Muthina Male Haniya” after a considerable period. Both the films are intriguing.

“In the Belly of a Tiger” unfolds a narrative that delves into the forefront of capitalism in India. Contrary to the common perception that capitalism manifests as the exploitation of the poor by the rich, the film vividly illustrates how in rural areas, the underprivileged endure severe atrocities, embodying a raw example of capitalist mentality. Director Siddharth Jatla skillfully captures this dynamic.

The director weaves a poetic yet tragic tale, drawing parallels between capitalist mentality in remote areas with the help of Indian mythological story of Gajendra Moksha. Through compelling visuals, the film highlights the cruel reality of how the national animal, the Tiger, preys on humans. The protagonist’s transformation into an elephant to entertain his children is a poignant moment masterfully depicted by the director, invoking the essence of the Gajendra Moksham episode without uttering a single word—a truly awe-inspiring portrayal.

The love scenes in the final 20-30 minutes, featuring Bhagole and Prabhat (played by Francis Lawrence and Poonam Tiwari), are profoundly impressive, creating an intense connection.

Along with love for ingenious films, one requires tons and tons of patience to watch this slow paced master piece drama. As an enthusiast of Telugu cinema and the Telugu language, I couldn’t help but swell with pride witnessing “In the Belly of a Tiger” being helmed by a talented Telugu director. It’s heartening to see our cultural and linguistic roots contributing to the rich tapestry of cinema, and the film’s director, adds an extra layer of connection and pride to the viewing experience. Anticipating its release to the public domain by year-end, I look forward to reminding everyone to experience “In the Belly of a Tiger.”