Bellaari Nagha

After ‘Namyejamanru’, Vishnuvardhan is back as ‘Bellaari Nagha’ (the numerology nuisance again). Remade from Mammootty’s ‘Raja Manickyam’, ‘Bellaari Nagha’ is a light-hearted entertainer, packing in all commercial elements but avoiding unnecessary gore and vulgarity. The director, ably assisted by Lakshmi Hegde in the dialogue department goes about his job at a brisk pace.  

Dinesh Baboo replaces Trivandrum Malayalam with Bellary Kannada, which only the hero is proficient in. There is also a healthy dose of commercial elements. Some of his characters are well fleshed out while others are less than props. This gives the viewer an opportunity to fill in certain blanks, which, in this case, is not good. A less than satisfactory acoustics also robs much of the charm. L N Shastry’s music is tailor-made for the occasion and Dinesh Baboo has not had to work his camera extensively. There are certain incongruent dialogues as well. Except for Rajesh Nataranga, who breathes fire and is sneering-cool when required, and an ever-dependable Avinash, the rest pass muster. But when the Sahasa Simha decides to enjoy, all other concerns vanish. Gone are the lethargic body language, tormented eyes and shuffling steps.

Vishnu’s acting lifts the film, literally. Notwithstanding the cheers and ‘seetis’, the actor brings back some of his trademark swagger and exuberance to the delight of his fans. ‘Bellaari Nagha’ may well do to Vishnu what ‘Sivaji’ did to Rajnikanth!