Parapancha
Kannada (A), Cast:  Diganth, Ragini Dwivedi, Anant Nag, Yograj Bhat, Rangayana Raghu, Anita Bhat
Director: Krishi Joshi

Another of Yograj Bhat’s proteges, Krishi Joshi, stakes his fortunes at the marquee with Parapancha.

Set within the confines of a bar-cum-restaurant and described as both a vegetarian and non-vegetarian eatery (thus goes the tagline), the film revolves around an array of assorted characters. These include a hitman who is after the bar waiter, a real estate agent, a bar-dancer-prostitute, a pimp, a businessman, an autodriver poet, an LIC agent, a policeman, and a philosopher.

Touted as a psychological comedy, the film whose characters bear names like Kali Pili, 24 Annas, focusses on diverse people. Detailing the twin sides of their persona, the struggles of the prostitute, the perceptions society has of them — all seen through the eyes of the bar waiter who has left home in a huff to the big city, having had enough of his father’s illicit brew trade which has killed several people.

Though the concept and story had enough meat for a delectable narrative, Krishi Joshi miserably fails to do justice, turning his Parapancha into an endless sermons saga.

The world that Krishi Joshi works upon infuriatingly taxes one with mentor Yograj Bhat who plays the role Kali Pili (empty vessel) going on nonstop with his commentary. Veteran Anant Nag is the only saving grace.