Raam

The roadside ‘paani poori’ never tasted better, never mind whether it is healthy and wholesome or not. Madesh serves up ‘Raam’ in a jiffy, excelling in this particular skill. A ‘Ready’-made story also helps. M S Ramesh’s dialogues and Madesh’s screenplay narrate Raam (Punith)’s effort to win over Pooja (Priyamani), against several odds; a couple of
villainous uncles (Doddanna and Sharath Lohitashwa) not the least of them.

Using his ready wit, Ram manages to get those uncles give away their niece with not a word raised in anger. It’s another matter that those uncles find it necessary to shout themselves hoarse while uttering each syllable. Rangayana Raghu stands out, mainly because of his expressions. Actors who are wasted: Tilak, Sadhu Kokila, Doddanna, Sharat, Srinath...

The first half of the film is entertaining but begins running in circles soon after. Krishnakumar’s cinematography and the competitive spirit of Priyamani (who sometimes resembles a serious Jyothika) all make ‘Raam’ work. Never mind a small niggling problem. The story doesn’t register or connect easily, thanks to the pace. True film buffs make no distinction of language and will definitely enjoy ‘Raam’, who rams the viewer hard, leaving behind only two of Harikrishna’s tunes.