Ambi Ning Vayassaytho

Rating: 3.5 stars (out of 5)

Director: Gurudatta Ganig

Cast: Ambareesh, Sruthi Hariharan, Suhasini, Kiccha Sudeep

Sandalwood’s Rebel Star Ambareesh is back on silver screen with Ambi Ning Vayassaytho after a decade's gap.

The much-awaited movie mostly lives up to the expectations and hype it created. Debutant Gurudatta Ganig, with a nifty narrative, keeps the audiences engrossed throughout.

Packed with an ensemble cast, ANV tells the story of an elderly man and his exploration of the first and lost love.

The film succinctly captures the conflict between two generations and their ways of living and perception.

Ambi is a pleasure to watch, whether he is talking to a roadside vendor or watching cricket.

His son Ajay is lost in his corporate job. He has no time for his father and even fails to appreciate his concern for a healthy society.

The film opens with Ambi gone missing. Ajay lodges a complaint with the police, and as routine questioning begins, the audiences are brought to the reasons that forced Ambi, a retired stunt master, to leave the house.

In the second half, we meet Ambi at a roadside dabha, with a group of elderly people. He has a new aim in life. He wants to meet his first love once again but he has no knowledge about her whereabouts.

Ajay's world, which comes crashing down after his father's departure, and Ambi's journey, from an escape to a quest for love, become the emotional beat of the story.

The legendary actor seems tired and rigid owing to his age, but Ambareesh is delightful for his authoritative tone and subtle expressions.

Suhasini, Sudeepa and Shruthi Hariharan all render commendable performances, even though their screen time is only a few minutes.

ANV's taut script, adequate cinematography, performances and background score, as well as its child-like warmth, deserves a weekend outing for the family — a paisa vasool venture.