Ravana

Six years after ‘Kaadhal Kondein’ took the box office by storm in neighbouring Tamil Nadu comes ‘Ravana’, starring Yogesh and Sanchita Padukone. A powerful story of an abused youth’s quest for love, ‘Kaadhal...’ was a film waiting to be re-made here. Director Hunsur follows the story (by Selvaraghavan) to a T, omitting only that passion song between Dhanush and Sonia Agarwal.

He is more than ably supported by a possessed Yogesh, who is also blessed with some natural attributes, and who makes the role all his own. Sanchita shines through her eyes, a confident debut. Santhosh, Srinivasmurthy and Ninasam Ashwath are all adequate. Abhiman Roy’s music is pleasant, here and there. Neither does the ‘tappanguchi’ song nor the ‘chakli’ and ‘nippattus’ make an impression - Yogesh would do better to stop doing such songs and focus on other areas. Perhaps controlling the urge to be shirtless a la Salman Khan would help. Sanchita’s performance is tailor-made. Yet, the interaction between the lead pair is a treat to watch, largely due to the story.

The film, showing signs of dropping focus in the middle, is gripping towards the end. The art department has done a good job. So has R Giri’s camerawork, supported by a good finish. But ‘Ravana’ is guilty. Of cleverly inserting the flashback scenes of the original (where the detailing was perfect, down to the boy resembling Dhanush) and getting dubbing artistes to work on them. Perhaps this is one such money-saving method the producers are desperately looking for. A sham. However, Yogesh fans can look forward to a slew of ‘anti-hero’ roles from him.