All's well that ends well
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The industry deadlock has come to an end. The verdict is clearly on the side of human dignity
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STRAIGHT TALK Vijay Raghavendra, who plays the lead in Kallarali Hoovagi, 0says it's a moderate success
The industry deadlock, as expected has fizzled out. Producers are no longer baying for Ashok's blood. The moneybags have realised there is no use trying to browbeat the resilient daily wagers. No date has been set but new ventures will be announced.
Vijay Raghavendra is one of the most candid actors when it comes to the box-office performance of his films. He had a moderate winner in Sevanti Sevanti and at the fag end of the year the ambitious Kallarali Hoovagi was released.
"It's not a massive hit but it's not doing badly either," says the modest star. There's nothing great about the film but Vijay's earnest performance is endearing. In stark contrast he plays a cop in Rajiv, which is ready for release. The well-designed posters have succeeded in creating curiosity. Vijay has also bought the remake rights of the best Telugu film last year, Bommarillu. "The heroine has a pivotal role in the film and we've more or less zeroed in on a girl from Hyderabad," says Vijay who's waiting for his father's go ahead to start the film.
Mungaaru Male reminds us of the series of feel good films starring Ramesh. "Different" is a word every director likes to use when describing his film. There are only so many plots in circulation and the key word is treatment. Gururaj Bhat takes an oft-told tale of a boy who falls for a girl already engaged to get married and manages to keep the audience engrossed. There are plenty of holes in the plot but that is compensated for with warm, witty lines and excellent performances. In lesser hands the film would have easily degenerated into a screechy melodrama. Anant Nag never ceases to amaze. Playing a deaf, trigger-happy ex-serviceman, his dialogue delivery and sense of timing are spot on. TV anchor turned actor Ganesh has a casual style, which audiences seem to be lapping up.
The surprise packet is Sanjana who has a well-written role and does justice. You wonder what this talented girl was doing in that sleazy film, Ganda Hendthi. Cinematography in most Kannada films is mediocre but Krishna dares to try some novel angles and his unique shots of Jog Falls is breath taking. Mano Murthy's loud music, as usual succeeds in drowning the vocals. MM again prove that you don't need marquee names, and double entendre for a film to succeed. What you need is a sensible plot.
The most awaited film in the coming weeks is Mani Ratnam's Guru. And not for the off screen romance of the lead actors. It's for Mani's consistent ability to veer off the trodden path. The promos look promising and looks like the corporate version of Nayakan.
S. SHIVA KUMAR
sshivu@yahoo.com
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