Its set in the mid 80’s when politicians used goons like pawns and set one against the other in their quest to wrest and retain power. Kotwal Ramachandra and Jairaj were arch rivals battling for underworld supremacy. Caught in this cross-fire is the young son of an industrialist who’s in love. The rich father disapproves and hires Kotwal to separate the pair. The rest of the film is about how the disgruntled son worms his way into goon land with the help of Sreedhar and hatches a plot to eliminate Kotwal.
Based on former underworld don, Sreedhar’s autobiographical tome, ‘Dadagiriya Dinagalu’ you can call this a ‘coming of age’ film in Kannada about rowdyism. We’ve been subjected to rowdies being portrayed as mindless beasts maiming and killing innocents. There’s not a single scene showing blood or gore here. Their activities are not justified but it’s more about how they’re used and instigated by vested interests. The screenplay by Sreedhar and Girish Karnad unfolds seamlessly making the job of the editor easy. There’s no action or violence but director Chaitanya has a vice-like, unwavering grip over the narrative. The underlying tension is subtle yet palpable. He has a fine eye for details and has to be lauded for recreating the period authentically. Nothing is overdone and the performances by the ensemble are standout. Sharath Lohitaswa as Kotwal is outstanding. Even Ashish Vidyarthi who’s usually over the top is effective as Jairaj. Atul Kulkarni is as good as ever.
Chaitanya is ably aided by Venu’s superb cinematography who thankfully avoids gimmickry. Nagendra Urs’s editing is sharp and there’s Ilayaraja whose use of silence is as resonant as his score.
‘Aa Dinagalu’ is déjà vu.
S.Shiva Kumar
