Film: ‘Nam Areali Ondhina’; Cast: Aneesh Tejeshwar, Meghana Gaonkar, Mandya Ramesh, Kiurigalu Prathap; Producer: Nagendra Joyisa; Director: Arvind Kaushik; Rating: ***
‘Nam Areali Ondhina’ comes across as a whiff of fresh air for the Kannada film industry which has been reeling under the effect of a series of debacles this year.
Debutant director Arvind Kaushik comes with the experience of acting and direction in television serials. The trailers of the film had created a lot of curiosity among the viewers and the film rightly lives up to the expectations. Despite problems with its release, the film manages to woo the audiences with its novel presentation and stunning visuals. Kaushik’s treatment of the script and the way he has made the new artists act is surely commendable.
The film gets you hooked on to the screen from the very second the opening credits start rolling.
Though ‘Nam Areali Ondhina’ is a visual treat it disappoints on the editing front. The continuity of the proceedings is lost in the second half when the director introduces many unnecessary sequences, like the Kanyamani song featuring Mandya Ramesh. The song, although hummable, is oddly placed in the film. Moreover, some of the action sequences in the second half are painfully lengthy. A little bit of trimming here and there and it would have been a far more effective film.
Although the story has nothing new to offer, it’s the fresh treatment and the raw portrayal of a love story that works for it. The characters look real and sink so deep into your system.
The story revolves around Ramesha, a good for nothing, careless, pampered youngster. His brother’s efforts to get him a job fail every time as Ramesha’s honesty doesn’t go down well with the prospective employers. Like any cliched love story, Ramesha falls for a Kathak dancer Chinnu at first sight.
After some persuasion, Ramesha manages to woo Chinnu. She agrees to marry Ramesha on the condition that he will have to get a job and earn at least Rs.5,000. But a lazy Ramesha gets the money through dubious means. As expected, Chinnu finds out the truth and goes through a stereotyped series of emotions, ranging from betrayal to heartache to realisation for Ramesha’s genuine love. Meanwhile a sub-plot develops wherein some goons want to kill Ramesha.
Aneesh Tejeshar in the role of Ramesha, looks fresh and promising. His dialogue delivery and body language is apt for the role. Newcomer Meghana also strikes with her neat performance. Teja’s performance in a negative role is also commendable. Overall, the movie scores well on the acting front.
But it is the music-director Arjun and cameraperson Ashok Kashya, who are the real heroes of the film. The songs offer variety and depth while the background score embellishes the narrative.
Overall, ‘Nam Areali Ondhina’ makes an impact because of its sincere presentation. A must watch for Kannada film enthusiasts.
