<p>Maasthi Gudi<br />Kannada (U/A) Cast: Vijay, Amulya, Kriti Kharbanda, Rangayana Raghu, B Jayashree, Dattatareya, Ravishankar, Suhasini, Devaraj<br />Director: Nagshekar<br /><br />Set in the fictional tribal village of Maasthi Gudi, Nagshekar’s film is about conservation of forests and protection of wildlife. <br /><br />Vijay, who penned the story inspired by a real-life incident, plays the titular role of mahout’s understudy, Maasthi. <br /><br />How he takes up the cudgels for protecting endangered species, specially the tiger, from poachers and their nefarious designs forms the film’s kernel. <br /><br />Playing vigilante, the muscular Maasthi eliminates the evil men, including a corrupt range forest officer. Village folks soon spread the word that it is the handiwork of a protective sprite infesting the forest. <br /><br />Interwoven with the message of conservation are romantic interludes that have Amulya as Bhavya and Kriti Kharbanda as Rani falling for Maasthi. <br /><br />While Bhavya’s romance ends in tragedy due to parental opposition, Rani, who returns from London, falls for Maasthi’s benign nature and concern for wildlife. <br /><br />Though the intentions of Nagshekar and Vijay are laudable, ghostly visitations, superstitions and a languid pace dilute Maasthi Gudi’s larger social purpose. <br /><br />Vijay does a good job as the muscled saviour while Amulya and Kriti Kharbanda provide pleasing support. <br /><br /><br /></p>
<p>Maasthi Gudi<br />Kannada (U/A) Cast: Vijay, Amulya, Kriti Kharbanda, Rangayana Raghu, B Jayashree, Dattatareya, Ravishankar, Suhasini, Devaraj<br />Director: Nagshekar<br /><br />Set in the fictional tribal village of Maasthi Gudi, Nagshekar’s film is about conservation of forests and protection of wildlife. <br /><br />Vijay, who penned the story inspired by a real-life incident, plays the titular role of mahout’s understudy, Maasthi. <br /><br />How he takes up the cudgels for protecting endangered species, specially the tiger, from poachers and their nefarious designs forms the film’s kernel. <br /><br />Playing vigilante, the muscular Maasthi eliminates the evil men, including a corrupt range forest officer. Village folks soon spread the word that it is the handiwork of a protective sprite infesting the forest. <br /><br />Interwoven with the message of conservation are romantic interludes that have Amulya as Bhavya and Kriti Kharbanda as Rani falling for Maasthi. <br /><br />While Bhavya’s romance ends in tragedy due to parental opposition, Rani, who returns from London, falls for Maasthi’s benign nature and concern for wildlife. <br /><br />Though the intentions of Nagshekar and Vijay are laudable, ghostly visitations, superstitions and a languid pace dilute Maasthi Gudi’s larger social purpose. <br /><br />Vijay does a good job as the muscled saviour while Amulya and Kriti Kharbanda provide pleasing support. <br /><br /><br /></p>
