Puthra

Determination, devotion win the day

Umakaanth chooses a safe but intriguing subject for his nth comeback. ‘Puthra’ reworks the volatile relationship between a domineering father and his obedient son, courtesy ‘Emmtan Magan’, a film hardly five years old.

The film’s USP is its story. Some scenes may horrify today’s youths who think nothing of wasting away the resources given to them while abusing their parents and the world in general. But after a dose of being told that failure is an attractive option, this film calls for tomorrow’s nation builders to saddle up. In a hurry.

Story sticks to some 80s formula with its music going everywhere and nowhere. It is the acting which lifts this film to the next level.

Avinash has delivered one of the finest performances in recent times. As the man of the house, his ego, arrogance, bullying ways are pleasantly balanced with his vulnerability (as a righteous father) that peeps in for a fleeting second or two.

It is also refreshing to watch Tennis Krishna trading his irksome mannerisms and bringing out the actor in him. In the company of these two experienced campaigners, Diganth the actor comes into his own - a pleasure to watch.

Supritha and Roopashree do their duty while Sudha Belawadi is the typical middle-class mother.  Sundarraj and others are all aptly cast. This old wine in a new bottle may be palatable to some, but not all.