Deccan Herald » Movie Reviews » Detailed Story

Namma Basava (U)

B.S.Srivani

Kannada (Nartaki, PVR, Inox) Cast: Puneeth Rajkumar, Gauri, Kota Srinivas, Sudharani Director: Veera Shankar

Namma Basava has 'Power star' Puneeth Rajkumar and a new import Gauri in the lead roles. The film has veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao as the main villain.

Debutante Veera Shankar is also one of the producers. The film's story revolves around Basava (Puneeth), a street smart lad (what else), who regularly engages in 'turf fights' with neighbourhood rowdy, Muscle Mani aka Hindi film Josh. He is doted by his traffic inspector brother (Avinash) and sis-in-law (Sudharani). Fed up by his antics, the brother decideds to get him married. But Basava wants to fall in love before tying the knot.

Circumstances bring him in contact with Gauri (Gauri), a music student, who is all for principles and does not believe in love at first sight. Basava plans an elaborate sham portraying himself as a crime branch officer with some help by his friends (Sharan and others). He almost succeeds in capturing the beautiful Gauri's heart but spoils everything by trying to teach her father (Srinivasmurthy) a lesson in his guise as a cop.

Meanwhile, Gauri has caught the attention of Jr Pampapathi (Riyaz Khan) the rapacious son of Home Minister Lakshmipathi and grandson of Pampapathi, the kingmaker of state politics. Junior wants to marry her . Gauri is determined to save Basava's life by not revealing her true feelings for him, but Basava is adamant. He is spotted by Jr Pampapathi, who then proceeds to teach him a lesson. But it is Basava who sends Junior and cronies packing.

Puneeth has grown in confidence with each film. His dialogue delivery though, needs some help. Gauri looks pretty. Sudharani and Avinash are good. One can't fathom why Tara chose to play such a miniscule role.

What captures one's attention is the sets erected by art director Arun Sagar. Gurukiran seems to be inspired to give his best whenever he provides the musical score for a Puneeth movie. But one of the tunes, a straight lift from a Telugu film is like a fly in the soup. The stunts are nicely choreographed but one can’t help being reminded of Mission Impossible -II.