JOIN USNagarahavu
Kannada (A) **
Cast: Ramya, Diganth, Sai Kumar, Rajesh Vivek, Ravi Kale, Mukul Dev
Director: Kodi Ramakrishna
Cashing in on the 1972 cult classic, in which late Vishnuvardhan had reprised the rebellious, angry young man’s role, director Kodi Ramakrishna has sought to piggy back on its brand equity. Through special effects and graphics, the late iconic star is brought to life on screen in the last ten minutes. Sahasa Simha staves off the evil Kapali from wresting the potent and magical Kalasha and from falling into his devilish hands in an epic battle. But for this momentous, avidly awaited date with their much-idolised star, the film turns out totally vacuous affair, with special effects taking chunk of money spent on producing it.
Hyped up as Vishnuvardhan’s 201st film, Nagarahavu, melds modern day musical romance with frivolous fantasy fable. The waferthin thread of age old Kalasha and its guardian angel Manasa aka Nagalika, who turns venomous cobra, to protect the Kalasha, as common factor. Brimming with inane comedy, equally insufferable screenplay and stupefying story, the film may be big draw with Vishnuvardhan’s fans.
The film centres around Naga Charan, son of jewellery shop owner, a singer with his own band. Enters Manasa seeking to learn music. The other side you have despotic Oberoi and his cronies who are after the Kalasha, housed in Delhi Museum and to be given away to winner of music competition. Suffice to say the film fails to be upliftment experience despite evoking visions of another Bahubali.
Ramya rules Nagarahavu, with decent job playing different shades, except for last ten minutes when Vishnuvardhan descends on screen much to delirious delight of his fans, with message he will always arrive when his fans invoke him.