Gaalipata - Movie Review

Gaalipata - Flying High!!

I had thought the era of fairy tales was over. But Yograj Bhat has woven a "nice" fairy tale around three friends, their love and a wild boar (???)!!! Yes that’s what the thin story line of Gaalipata is about. It’s a movie with a great concept of weaving these together. And Yograj Bhat does the weaving well and comes up with a nice entertaining fare.

Here goes the storyline… Three rich carefree friends Ganesh (Ganesh), Diganth (Diganth) and Kitty (Rajesh Krishna) have different characters distinctly. They come to a remote Malnad place called Mugilupete to Digant’s grandfather’s house. There they have to stay with Kodandaram (Anantnag) and Padma (Padmaja Rao). They have a widowed daughter-in-law Sowmya (Daisy Bopanna) and two daughters Radha (Nitu) and Pavani (Bhavana Rao). Kodandaram’s legs are paralyzed while hunting a wild boar in the jungle and hence he has the feeling to avenge his loss. The three guys help him in hunting the boar again but in vain only to gain scoldings from Padma and her daughters despite which Ganesh’s will to hunt the boar grows. In due course, Ganesh falls for the always silent Sowmya, Diganth for the ever-scolding Radha and Kitty for the talkative and naughty Pavani. Ganesh somehow brokers the engagement between Digant-Radha and Kitty-Pavani. But when it comes to his love, Sowmya rejects his offer saying she is better off with her memories of her childhood friend and husband who passed away just two hours after their marriage. This breaks down Ganesh and his parents’ (Sudha Belavadi and Rangayana Raghu) efforts to persuade Sowmya to marry Ganesh fails. What happens to Ganesh and his love? Will he get Sowmya or he has to forget her? Watch in the movie for its hurried climax!!!

Storyline is simple and what catches here are the dialogues by Yograj Bhat. They are comic and punching at the right places. All the best dialogues are “reserved” for Ganesh and he delivers well. But alas!! Each and every dialogue and his body language remind us of his Mungaaru Male act. No doubt they evoke lots of laughter, but feel sad that Ganesh hasn’t given anything new in this! Signs of becoming KFI’s SRK?? Huh!! Or is it intentional from the director himself to give the same effect as MM. Not quite clear.

Diganth is just a poster boy here and gives some nice smiles all through. Rajesh Krishnan who is supposed to be the serious guy amongst the three is too serious to notice that he has got nothing to do here. Totally the other two are overshadowed by Ganesh. Daisy looks graceful and performs well too. Nitu has got her share of scoldings in the movie and carries on her proceedings well. Bhavana Rao is good in her act as the playful youngest daughter of Anantnag. Anantnag hams in this movie which is a bit disappointing. Padmaja Rao needs to tone down her voice. She almost blew my ears with her screeches and shouts. Rangayana Raghu impresses as Ganesh’s father.

Rathnavelu has done a great job in capturing the locales well. Kodachadri, Bekal fort and Shivanasamudra are breathtakingly picturized. But the effect of Jog as in MM is missing. No complaints but.

Songs add to the feel of the movie. The title song is shot well. Minchagi Neenu Baralu has got great photography and settings. Aha Ee Bedaru Bombege is good with some nice costumes. Nadhimdheemtana picturized at Kodachadri with Yakshagaana artists is a treat to watch.

Despite these, what does Galipata lack? I feel it lacks a vision. There is no proper justification for the title except for the title song which claims the lives of youngsters to be like a kite-free flying and racing ahead. The climax is a bit of let down. Why was such a situation and location required? The same thing could have happened on road or elsewhere. Is it just to complete a track that Sowmya had lost her husband there? Other thing which irked is the wild boar track! The dialogues and situations are woven around that and make it a hero and also a God towards the end. No doubt Yograj Bhat has given a great entertainer with some good dialogues, photography and music. But he could have extracted something different from Ganesh!

Totally it’s a good timepass entertainer. Watch it if you are a Ganesh and Yograj Bhat fan. You wont get disappointed for sure :)

Honganasu – Movie Review

Honganasu – A Good Dream

Honganasu is Nenapirali director Rathnaja’s next venture and hence has got its own expectations in the film industry. Here Rathnaja ventures out with a family subject and his favourite star Prem to give a neat movie. And I should say he succeeds at his attempt in conveying his thoughts in a beautiful manner. The storyline is simple and hence he hence needs lots of support from his actors and technical team to put his thoughts to work. He has succeeded in getting that “best” from all of them. As in Nenpirali, Hamsalekha’s music is a major plus point for the movie.

So what is Honganasu about? Its about the dreams of a father (Anantnag) to get his late sister’s daughter Sowmya (Anuradha Mehta) and friend (Ramesh Bhat) as his daughter-in-law for his eldest son, Santhosh (Adarsha). He makes Sagar (Prem), his second son as a part his dreams and Sagar right from his childhood nurtures the dream of seeing Sowmya as his sister-in-law from his childhood and develops a strong bonding towards her. These dreams are prolonged much to the dismay of Anantnag and Sagar since Shilpa, Sagar’s sister is also ready for marriage and doesn’t accept many of the alliances offered to her. The family as usual thinks of getting the daughter married before the marriage of sons. At this point of time one alliance for Shilpa arrives which she accepts much to the surprise of everyone in the family. But the groom’s condition wherein he puts a condition that he would accept Shilpa if Santhosh marries his sister Impana (Anjali) who is studying in a dental college put a big question on the dreams of Anantnag and Sagar. How will Sagar come out of this and how does he make his father’s dream a reality is the rest of the story.

The story being so simple and hence the script is backed up with performances and music. The first half of the movie is quite enjoyable with Sharan’s comedy sequences. I really appreciate this guy’s comic timing sense. He just has to be used properly in movies. Even the comedy track is quite convincing unlike the other movies. The second half is a bit dragging being mostly in flashback wherein Rathnaja tries to depict Sagar’s love for his sister-in-law. Sometimes the sequences make people feel its too much. The length of flashback sequences could be reduced to make it look better. But despite that, the conviction with which Rathnaja handles the climax and the justification given are too apt. The climax arrives too late that’s the major drawback.

Prem as Sagar gives a good performance. He has improved a lot in all domains from his previous movies. Anjali is looks pretty but doesn’t have much to do. Anuradha Mehta acts well in this but she could have been more convincing. Anantnag, Ramesh Bhat and Vinaya Prakash have done their job well. Naveen Krishna supports well in the second half. Sharan is too good in the first half.

Music was the highlight of Rathnaja’s previous movie Nenapirali and here too Hamasalekha’s music adds colors to the movie. Good songs which are already popular have added to the feel of the movie and they arrive at the right time. Lagge Lagge, Chigurodeda, Kandu Konde and the title song are picturized innovatively and are good to watch on screen. Baa Nagu Nannondige comes with the Kerala touch and is impressive. Kuvari Kuvari is ok.

Cinematography is one more plus point for the movie and cinematographer Anant Urs puts his full effort in bringing in front of the beauty of Sahyadri hills, Murdeshwar and Malnad area.

Rathnaja has done a good job in putting this story on to the screen. But I feel he has concentrated more on the second half than on the first half. Romance and Comedy are major highlights in first half but Rathnaja scores in comedy than in romance. The second half is fully a family drama and all the major events take place during this part. Family values, sentimental and thoughtful words add to the effect and Rathnaja convinces with his depiction and justification for the climax. But personally I feel the movie can be trimmed by around 20 mins in the second half with some slick editing.

Now its left to the audience whether they would accept this neat family entertainer with some doubts about the acceptance on the extreme love and possessiveness of a guy towards his sister-in-law. But those doubts would be cleared with the convincing end I believe. On the whole, I feel this movie would also pick up late and by the word of mouth.

Honganasu - Audio

Hongansu - Audio

Starring :Prem Kumar, Any Mehata, Naveen Krishna
Music : Hamsalekha
Lyrics : Hamsalekha
Producer : Ajay R Gowda
Director : Rathanaja

Lagge Lagge Sahyadrige sung by Chitra and Karthik is a fast number describing sahyadri ranges. Karthik is good to hear. Good music.

Kuvari Kuvari sung by Rajesh Krishnan is once again fast number with nice words describing a girl. Typical Hamsalekha style. Great rendition by Rajesh.

Baa Nagu Nannondige sung by Vijay Yesudas and Chitra is a Malayalam mix song. Good to hear Chitra and Vijay Yesudas!

Honganasu, the title song sung by Shaan is quite melodious. Shaan carries the song well. Pleasant one to hear.

Chigurodeda sung by Shreya Ghoshal is a cool melodious song with good lyrics. Shreya is asusual good. Good Fusion of classical and western styles.

Kandu Konde sung by Hemanth Kumar and Shreya Ghoshal is a nice duet with good lyrics. Reminds of old Hamsalekha hits.

More concentration towards lyrics and words than music by Hamsalekha for a couple of songs. Thats my opinion. But its a good album!

Gooli - Audio

Gooli - Audio

Starring : Sudeep, Mamatha Mohandas
Music : Anoop Seelin
Lyrics : P Satya
Producer : Ramu
Director : P Satya

Sum Sumne Yaako sung by Nanditha and Karthik is a good duet. Music is pleasant but resembles Ilayaraja style. Lyrics are simple and pleasing.

Kaddu Kaddu sung by Rajesh Krishnan and Chitra is a sensuous duet. Lyrics are good and music suits the mood of the song.

Gooli sung by Rajesh Krishnan is a drunkard number. Mostly suited for Sudeep's image n role in the movie. Rajesh is as usual good.

Jeevana Hudukuta sung by Hariharan is a slow song with good lyrics. Hariharan is good!

Dealige Dealu sung by Shankar Mahadevan, Chitra, P. Satya and Sudeep is one more song about rowdyism and love with male and female portraying their view. Very plain! Shankar Mahadevan sings well. This song will surely remind 'Hodi Maga'.

Again..... an average album.

Bindaas - Audio

Bindaas - Audio

Starring : Puneeth Rajkumar, Hansika Motwani
Music : Gurukiran
Producer : M Chandrashekar
Director : D Rajendra Babu

Gubbachi Goodinalli ,Udit Narayan, Soumya Rao,Lyrics : Kaviraj

Soumya Rao is back! So Nice to hear her! Udit - plz improve your pronounciation! Simple lyrics!Gurukiran's tunes seem to be repetitive.

Bindaas,Puneeth Rajkumar, Lyrics : V. Nagendra Prasad

Good song to listen about leading life "bindaas" mix of bhangra beats gives a different touch

Kallu Mama , Gurukiran, Sonu Kakkar,Lyrics : Kaviraj

Sounds like an item number. Has resemblances to the style used in "Bin Laden Nan Mava"Sonu Kakkar's voice suits the song. Gurukiran as usual croons ..... no need to say how

Nalle Nalle O Nalle, Karthik, Mathangi,Lyrics : Kaviraj

Karthik and Mathangi infuse life into this peppy dance number. Not much to be said about lyrics.

Tara Tara Ontara, Shaan,Lyrics : Kaviraj

Want to listen Kannada in English accent? Listen to this! Shaan is good at his work.Mix of hip-hop n rap styles. Good one by Guru.

One more ok-ok album by Gurukiran!

Gaalipata - Audio

Gaalipata

Yograj Bhat’s next movie “Gaalipata” with music composed by Harikrishna doesn’t impress much though it has 2-3 hummable songs.

The title track “Aakasha Ishte Yaakidiyo” with Jayant Kaikini’s lyrics and Tippu and Kunal Ganjawala’s vocals is a youthful number with fast pacy music. Both the playback singers infuse life into the song. Quite catchy!

"Minchaagi Neenu Baralu” sung by Sonu Nigam and lyrics by Jayant Kaikini reminds us of “Anisutide”. What impresses is the unconventional lyrics and good rendition by Sonu. The best song of the album I feel.

“Nadhimdhim Tanananaa” sung by Chitra with lyrics by Yograj Bhat is a semi-classical number which leaves a feel good feeling because of Chitra.

“Kavithe” sung by Vijay Prakash and lyrics by Hrudayashiva is a patho song. Too slow and a bit boring to listen.

“Jeeva Kaleva” sung by Sonu Nigam and lyrics by Yograj Bhatt is a slow number depicting the loneliness. Tune of Minchaagi Neenu Baralu…

“Aha Bedaru Bombe” sung by Udit Narayan and Anuradha Sriram and lyrics by Jayant Kaikini is a duet which could have presented better. It starts off well but fails to impress after the second stanza.

On the whole its an average album.

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Thanks for all the views and reviews about the review :) I would always take any album without any comparision and expectation. So even Gaalipata I would take without comparision with Mungaaru Male or any other album/music director.

Minchaagi has been picturized well. Its not that great as compared to Anisutide in Mungaaru Male. Keepin Anisutide apart, this song has come out really well with innovative sets on the beach, the fort and on the lush green hills.

Lets wait for other songs. Surely the good team would have added more to the songs visually. All the best to Gaalipata team! I'm sure no other movie in Kannada in the recent times has evoked so much interest and expectations. Hope Yogaraj Bhatt will live up to these expectations of WE- the Kannadigas.

Jab We Met – Truly Entertaining

Jab We Met – Truly Entertaining

One more instance wherein a old story has been given a good treatment and presented in a wonderful way. Truly, the story of Jab We Met isn’t anything new!! Dhai Akshar Prem Ke (or Walk in The Clouds) and some more movies you can surely remember after watching this entertainer. What captures us is the execution of the simple and old plot and the truly electrifying performances by Kareena and Shahid.

The story starts with Aditya (Shahid), an influential businessman who is in a bad mood after he has lost his father and also his girl! Unable to bear that his girl is getting married, he leaves home and almost like a zombie roams around and gets into the train which goes to Delhi without even a ticket. Just then destiny strikes and Geet (Kareena) who is on her way to Bhatinda after finishing her studies gets on the same train. Geet is extremely talkative and at times annoyingly loud but yet simple that’s what we could get from her introduction scene. These two souls (as they call them in the trailors) have to be together for the journey. Rest of the first half is about how Aditya tries to avoid her and how she clings on to him after she misses the train due to him and challenges him that it would be he who would take her to her home in Bhatinda. During the course she even tells him about her plans of eloping with her boyfriend after she reaches Bhatinda. The next part of the movie is truly entertaining wherein they both reach Bhatinda after traveling through the whole of north India and getting to know each other. She even comes to know that Aditya is the son of a rich businessman whose mother had left her husband for her lover.

Once they reach her home in Bhatinda, her family suspects them of being lovers which they believe firmly after Geet escapes to Manali to join her boyfriend with Aditya who helps her do so. Once Aditya leaves Geet at Manali, he feels he loves her but cannot express it but he feels her mannerisms have filled him with freshness and enthusiasm to return to Mumbai and improve his business. Thus he returns leaving Geet and succeeds in resurrecting his business. Geet’s parents come to Mumbai after they see Aditya on TV and ask him about Geet. Aditya promises them that he would get Geet back to them and sets off to Manali in search of her. He has to face some surprises there as her boyfriend denies of having married Geet and frantically searches for Geet there. When he finally traces her down, he is surprised to see a different Geet who is broken, sober and sad unlike the one whom he had left.

As promised to her parents, Aditya convinces Geet to return home with her boyfriend who agrees to marry her. But when all the three reach home, they are surprised to see that Aditya and Geet are treated as husband and wife and the family is preparing for their traditional marriage. Whats in store next is simple. Aditya and Geet who have been friends till now and realize that their friendship has got a new meaning now.

Shahid has given a wonderful performance. He has emoted well in the sentimental sequences and has given the right touch to the comic ones. Kareena has given her best performance till date as the bubbly girl. Her confidence and charm is evident in her apt portrayal of Geet. Other performances like that of Pawan Malhotra as Geet’s uncle and Dara Singh are just ok.

Music is the other highlight of the movie. We are taken to the sentimental world with “Tum Se Hi”, to a mystic Manali world with “Yeh Ishq Hai”, a truly Punjabi world with “Nagaada” and finally to the josh number “Mauja Hi Mauja”. Good work by Pritam. Good cinematography adds to the presentation of these songs on-screen.

Hats off to Imtiaz Ali for balancing comedy and emotions. Also his presentation of the characters and execution of the plot are commendable. Though the screenplay takes a beating in the second half, its truly a great and applaudable effort. He strikes well in the comedy part!!

A nice family entertainer!!