Rajguru’s Kerebete (2024) is a soulful Kannada romantic drama set against the cultural backdrop of Malenadu’s traditional fishing festival. Read the full review of this rooted, rural love story.
⭐ BMR Rating: 7.5/10
Genre: Romantic Drama | Language: Kannada | Runtime: 152 minutes | Director: Rajguru B
📝 Synopsis
Kerebete is a culturally rich romantic drama that unfolds in the picturesque Malenadu region of Karnataka. The film is named after the real-life tradition of Kerebete, an annual fishing festival that brings villages together in celebration and community.
At the heart of this vibrant setting lies a tender love story between Gowrishankar (Gowrishankar SRG) and Bindu (Bindu Shivaram) — two individuals from differing social and emotional backgrounds. Their journey of love, misunderstandings, and emotional maturity is interwoven with themes of tradition, community ties, and personal transformation.
🎭 Performances
Gowrishankar SRG, who also contributed to the screenplay, delivers a grounded performance that reflects the humility and inner strength of a small-town man. His portrayal is not over-the-top but understated, which suits the rural setting well.
Bindu Shivaram is natural and expressive, bringing authenticity to her role as a woman torn between love, family expectations, and societal norms. Her character arc is well fleshed out, and she carries emotional scenes with quiet grace.
GopalKrishna Deshpande, Harini Shreekanth, and Sampath Maitreya support the narrative with solid performances that add depth to village dynamics. They serve not just as side characters but as representations of different generational perspectives and values.
🎬 Direction & Screenplay
Rajguru B, who has both written and directed the film, shows clear affection for rural Karnataka. His storytelling is patient, meditative, and deeply rooted in the rhythms of village life. There are no unnecessary commercial tropes or forced melodrama. Instead, the screenplay focuses on subtle emotions, cultural nuance, and realistic interpersonal conflicts.
The story unfolds slowly — almost deliberately — much like life in Malenadu. This pacing may not appeal to everyone, but for those willing to immerse themselves in the world of Kerebete, the payoff is satisfying.
🎥 Cinematography & Editing
Keerthan Poojaary’s cinematography is one of the film’s biggest strengths. The lush green landscapes, serene lakes, and vibrant village celebrations are captured beautifully. The scenes during the actual Kerebete festival are shot with a documentary-like realism that makes you feel part of the celebration.
The editing is unhurried — which works for the tone but at 152 minutes, some sequences could have been tightened to maintain better narrative momentum.
🎶 Music & Sound
The film’s music, composed by Gagan Baderiya, blends folk elements with contemporary melodies. Songs are situational, lyrical, and pleasing to the ear without being overly dramatic. Standout tracks include:
- 🎵 “Huttidare Malenadu” – A love letter to the region itself.
- 🎵 “Ninna Noduvaga” – A soft, emotionally stirring romantic number.
Background score is used sparingly, allowing silence and natural sounds to enhance realism.
✅ Strengths
- 🎭 Authentic performances by a largely fresh cast
- 🌾 Culturally rooted storytelling with emotional depth
- 🎥 Beautiful cinematography capturing Malenadu’s essence
- 🐟 Unique setting – a rare focus on rural traditions like Kerebete
- 🎶 Melodic and earthy music enhancing the mood
❌ Weaknesses
- 🕒 Slow pacing may not suit all viewers
- ✂️ Some scenes feel repetitive and could’ve been edited tighter
- 📈 Limited mass appeal due to lack of high-octane drama or action
🎯 Final Verdict
Kerebete (2024) is a heartwarming and culturally resonant film that stands out in the crowd of urban-centric romantic dramas. Its strength lies in its simplicity, rootedness, and emotional honesty. While it may not cater to those seeking a fast-paced or commercial entertainer, it will surely strike a chord with viewers who appreciate slice-of-life storytelling and rural realism.
This is a film that celebrates love not with grand gestures, but with quiet moments, community ties, and the rhythm of tradition. Kerebete is not just a title — it’s a symbol of togetherness, culture, and emotional awakening.
🍿 Watch It If You Like:
- Rural love stories like Thithi or Kantara (emotional side)
- Emotionally grounded romantic dramas
- Kannada films that focus on tradition and cultural identity
- Simple stories told with heart and honesty
BMR Rating: ⭐ 7.5/10
A serene, soulful film that gently tugs at the heartstrings while celebrating a unique Karnataka tradition.