Journey from violence to humanism

ACP Shankar (Shivarajkumar), a hot-headed cop called trigger-happy by his wife (Padmapriya), is separated from his team while patrolling strife-hit Tannery Road one night. Injured in the melee, he is given shelter and care by an old man (Nasser) and his daughter Amreen Saba (Harshikaa). Who turn out to be the family of terrorist Imran (Yash), slain by the ACP himself...

“Tamassu” is a journey from violence towards humanism, fraught with self-realisation, remorse and a determination to set things right. The director chooses to put forth the view that violence is not the solution. That he does so with some confusion is another matter. The first few scenes depict excessive violence repeatedly, justifying the censor board’s opinion. However, once the backdrop is taken care of, the film moves to the meat of the story– a largely well-balanced interplay of emotions in the protagonists. For, the slain terrorist’s family has equal importance. 

Shivanna’s performance as the conscientious cop with perfect voice modulation and a fluid face is a pleasant departure from the mundane fare served so far. The ‘unique’ dialogue between Shivanna and Padmapriya offers some freshness but only that. Harshikaa impresses with an improved and restrained performance. Asif, Jai Jagadish, Nasser, Sharath Lohitashwa are all aptly cast. Sandeep Chowta, Nrutanrutya and the art department have worked hard to translate their director’s vision, which cannot escape loopholes.

“Tamassu” may disappoint the average Shivanna “abhimani” but is a better product from a ‘debutant’ director.