LOST EFFORT Vishnuvardhan’s performance is sincere“Maathad Maathad Mallige” is a letdown. Nagathihalli’s conviction about the core issue is not strong enough and he goes off tangent. When you set off to make a film about an issue you can’t afford to be frivolou s. The director probably started with noble intentions but he has to safeguard the producers investment too so a raunchy song is inserted. The foreigners out to usurp the villagers land come across as cheap exploiters and the protagonist’s personal woes overtake his concern for his people and their problems. The step motherly treatment meted out to an uneducated girl by her parents and her siblings is jarring. Also, the way the daughters fall in love and walk out on their doting father is most unconvincing. Vishnuvardhan carries the film on his frail shoulders with a sincere performance. Suhasini hams. “MMM” speaks very little about the problems it deals with.
Yograj Bhat and his unit are back after a gruelling schedule, drenched but thrilled with the results. Rain seems to follow him.” We had a great time. I was surprised with the performances of the youngsters, especially Ganesh. Of course, I don’t have to tell you about Anant Nag. There were on the spot improvisations,” says the satisfied director. For cinematographer Ratnavelu who’s still wondering why he missed out on the State award it was a satisfying and challenging experience. “Usually film units shooting in forests choose safe terrain, but we shot in the wilderness. There were snakes and leeches to deal with. We shot the climax at Shivanasamudram and I can assure you we got a couple of breathtaking shots,” says the talented youngster. The stakes are high for “Gaali Pata” and the expectations are unbelievable.
“Duniya” Vijay called from
I’m not a Shahrukh Khan fan, but Shimit Amin has to get a standing ovation for doing “Chak De”. The mark of a true superstar is when he can do what is least expected of him and emerge victor. The only other actor who constantly does it is Kamal Hassan but then he’s in a different league. “Chak De” is a warm, no frills film, exquisitely shot and totally in focus. The characterisation is brilliant and there’s not a single dull moment. The girls steal the show but Shahrukh sans his idiosyncrasies is very convincing. Ultimately, all the credit for this wonderful effort should go to the director.
