Kannada play BANNA

Banna explores the cultural politics of a local town.

Maitra, the town`s only literate woman, is involved in a local Mahabharata

production. She handles the dialogue coaching for the actors and takes on the

responsibility of stitching all the costumes for the play.

While watching the rehearsals, Maitra expresses her desire

to play the role of Kunti. However, the local leader, Partugowda, insults her,

stating that someone from her background cannot stand as an equal to those from

the dominant community on stage.

Deeply hurt by this exclusion, Maitra decides to take

action. She organizes a team from her own neighborhood to stage a rival

production of Devimahathme. Unwilling to accept her creative rebellion, Gowda

uses various tactics to try and stop her performance.

The play serves as a reflection of contemporary social and

artistic politics, highlighting the inequalities that persist in today`s world.