There was a time when Dialogue was the King. Family dramas till late 80s benefited the most from dialogues. Beladingalaagi Baa as such is a whiff of fresh air amidst the stench of foul, double entendres that refuses to go away. Presenting a love story against the backdrop of the usual gang wars — if there is one — and giving it an unexpected yet credible twist is not a small achievement these days.
Sure, the director has taken some liberties but the end product makes up for all the slip-ups. Ramesh tells the story of a youth, grounded in values who falls in love with a policeman’s daughter only to jeopardise his happiness, thanks to his absent father.
The usual, run-of-the-mill story. But the screenplay and dialogues lift the script, making it more meaningful, if the viewer will shed his impatience and pay attention to the unfolding drama. For, right at the beginning, the director falters and slips into a narration mode that guarantees the elusive slumber to an insomniac. But the plot thickens in a gradual manner leaving the viewer to do some catching up.
From then on, the story runs like a pair of Kambala buffaloes, slipping here and there, but carried forward by the sheer weight of the script and dialogues. The acting department throws up some surprises for a change. Vijay Raghavendra is getting adept at comedy though he should spare a thought on over exposure too. Dr Kambar’s performance, though a little jarring in the beginning, grows upon the viewer like a ripened fruit.
Shobhraj though gets to play a positive role for a change while Rangayana Raghu provides the usual quota of entertainment to the front-benchers. And Ramanito finally gets a little more screen time, which she puts to good use.
But the film is not without its faults — the director could have paid more attention towards quickening the film’s pace, and shortening the well made comedy track which in parts appears a bit disjointed. Likewise, camerawork and music do not complement each other. However, families can sit through the entire film without squirming or cringing.
