Mallikarjuna

Obeying father never hurts

Ravichandran’s ‘tryst’ with long tresses continues in Mallikarjuna, remake of Vijayakant starrer Thavasi. Here he is Mallikarjuna, the ‘divine’ dispenser of justice to people of Mallenahalli and his son Surya, obedient son of doting parents. But the long locks and the round belly do not bring gravitas to the role – there is nothing Crazy about the role either!

Murali Mohan suitably modifies the screenplay and brings in some old concepts – of looting the village deity’s jewellery, false accusations, a near-marriage, repentance, reunion of lovers etc... Sita and Sadaa play the leads opposite Ravichandran. The former makes a respectable mother-artist while the waif-like Sadaa is relegated to looking hauntingly beautiful, with unshed tears filling her hollow cheeks.

The comedy track featuring Bullet Prakash is wasted unnecessary. Seetharam’s camerawork is of the usual standard while Rajkumar’s music cannot be described. Seems everyone was in a hurry. To get away somewhere. Is it the Crazy Star’s ambitious Manjina Hani they are waiting for?