Passion and clarity are mutually exclusive terms which leave no room for a solution. But if they do come together, the broth concocted is heady and lingers inside the heart.
Nagashekar’s mature handling of an ordinary love story and social drama and his pains to get the details and ambience right (slip ups like the filled beer glass and a barricaded Vidhana Soudha notwithstanding) all ensure that the fan – of the reigning star, of the heartthrob or of good ole entertaining cinema – is not shortchanged.
Perhaps those in the throes of first love may not agree with the story’s eventual ending, but that’s life. Spinning a creditworthy yarn out of a real incident Nagashekar ensures there is little to bore the romantics. The chemistry between Ramya and Kitti works well and holds a lot more promise. Special mention is due to Manjunath Sanjeev, whose words highlight the economy in emotions which makes Sanju Weds Geetha a much wanted relish. Jassie Gift and Satya Hegde conjure up magic; the latter’s frames speak of a parallel romance!
So, what can go wrong? An ‘unusually’ quiet Ramya, a beautifully underplaying Kitti and a song by the prison inmates which may seem unnecessary - all these threaten to blow away the mood created by a fine screenplay, clear direction, strong dialogue and splendid performances. Suhasini leads the supporting cast which holds its own despite the threat of extinction.
Nagashekar has come some way further from a slightly amateurish Aramane. Ramya and Gift have moved away from their ‘images’ while Kitti lends solid support. Satya, Nagendra Prasad and Kaviraj all pitch in for a seamless transition from cute love story to hard hitting drama. Perhaps, it is time for the audience to shake off the cobwebs of cynicism and lethargy and appreciate a simple, wholesome fare.