JOIN USKaroodpathi
Kannada (U) ¬¬¬
Director: Ramesha P C R
Cast: Komal, Meera Nandan, Guruprasad and others
For a while now, Komal’s film were slowly shifting focus from comedy towards showcasing some histrionics by the actor with mixed results. Also, several of his comic scenes seemed forced. Karoodpathi, however, seems to make things a little better for the actor.
Here, Komal is in good company, not requiring to be an allrounder all the time. It is another matter that his supporting colleagues come up with different levels of performance. Komal’s brand of comedy is shown sparingly and within limits, making room for the actor to “respond” naturally to situations.
Beset with misfortune, Karoodpathi comes rather late before the audience. With director Guruprasad beating the team in the race with Director’s Special, Ramesha’s film may well seem a rehash for many, which is a pity. The former seemed a harsh depiction of money ruling hearts, while Karoodpathi prefers to paint a picture so rosy that when it turns bloody, the viewer can’t help but sympathise along, again not being forced to do so.
That this rehash of some of the run-of-the-mill 90s films, made commercially viable by David Dhawan with his successful hero tapori Govinda, strikes a chord with the audience of today, can perhaps be its main achievement.
Helping the film achieve it are Biradaar (in a very brief but telling role), Muni (for once in a positive role), the actor who plays Balaram, Sringeri Ramanna, Jasmine, and Meera Nandan with Guruprasad, who’s pleasant to engage with as the starving film director, but whose dialogue delivery remains monotonous, devoid of emotion – spoofing cold reason perhaps?
Komal gets a couple of fights where he doesn’t have to punch above his limitation. Abhiman Roy, who has somehow conceded tune turf to Harikrishna, Arjun Janya and the like, gives simple and pleasant music while also keeping it catchy. Selva’s camerawork is good. Meera Nandan and Jasmine suit their roles well.
Dialogue writers Kamal Sarathi and M K Rukesh support Rajaneesh Pavan’s story very well.
They ensure that their lead doesn’t go overboard with his wares and the story remains true to what the director envisaged.
Karoodpathi is the best of this week’s releases.