When all fail, faith helps

Film reviews

Jayammana Maga
Kannada (A) ¬¬¬
Director: Vikas
Cast: Vijay, Kalyani, Bharathi, Raghav Uday and others

Good always triumphs over the bad. Well, almost. And it also happens to be one of the pet themes of filmmakers, supported by a “minimum guarantee” box office result. Jayammana Maga, by debutante Vikas, seems yet another story of the same mould on the surface. Indeed, the climax doesn’t toe a line out of established convention. But what holds interest and involvement is the matter in between the opening and the ending of the film.

A tantric cult and a devout couple select the same place to build a place of worship, leading to unimaginable and disastrous consequences. That such practices continue to hold sway in people’s minds is evident in the manner the audience reacts to each turn and twist in the film. After all, astronomy, and astrology, are both sciences for many and a matter of passion and faith for some.

Both dialogue writer Chintan and the director have constructed the screenplay in such a manner that there is no room for any misinterpretation by some and derision by others. The script is well-researched for a compact format like the film and the director ensures that there is no cramming — a mistake newcomers are prone to.

Vijay, though fettered by his image in the songs except one, is a team player here and his mannerisms gel well with the story. And yes, there is stiff competition for Kalpana Upendra! Minus Uppi’s manic energy, Vijay delivers a neat performance be it the drama scenes or the climax. Credit also must go to Sanath Suresh’s scissors. Sugnan’s camerawork is fine, artwork is excellent and Arjun Janya is in his elements, with the beat drowning much of the lyrics — as usual.

Raghav Uday, as the tantrik Raktaksha, finally comes into his own. The lanky brother of Surabhi in Dushta is all brawn and menace here. Kalyani, as Jayamma, is spunky and believable. Narendra Babu, Rangayana Raghu and others are ok. Newcomer Dr Bharathi fits the bill but has precious little to do nearer to the climax.

Jayammana Maga finally comes to the point where one has to decide whether to have faith. Or not.

Even otherwise, the fast pace, slick fights, locations, acting and dancing all make this a worthwhile outing.