Movie Review: Amruthavarshini

Kannada movies have the advantage of starting out as an underdog. No one expects a lot from them. Even the biggest hit last year 'Mungaru Male' does not feature in my book of good movies. My wife recommends the Kannada movies we watch and the last one was a total wash out. However, 'Amruthavarshini' surprised me.

1. The story is not entirely new. To me it is character of Ramesh Arvind, his performance and Suhasini's acting that make this moves what it is.

a. The character of Abhi makes the movie what he is. Abhi, from what I understand, suffers from an inferiority complex. He is so low on confidence that he hardly speaks, stutters when he is lying and his hands shake when he knows he is not in the right. The fact that he hardly ever speaks does not give away his intentions so the murder he commits comes a surprise. It is at this point that the movie takes you on.

b. Acting accolades for Ramesh Arvind and Suhasini are richly deserved. Ramesh puts in a memorable performance as the low-on-confidence Abhishek Bharadwaj. Suhasini keeps the first half of the film alive with her gusto and witty lines while the second half brings out the exact opposite face of her character. I am not sure if they won awards for their performances but I hope they did.

2. Barring the first ten minutes, where the couple exchange recorded messages, and climax where Suhasini speaks for a while the movie is not over dramatised. The direction and editing are first rate. After Abhi commits the murder the pace is steady and does not falter.

3. I didn't like the way Dr. Vimala's court case was used to bring out the interest in the camera. I felt that was lame. It was too direct! Once everyone had forgotten about the camera one just wonders how it will be introduced again. To introduce it the way it was didn't earn any points for imagination. But in the bigger picture it didn't matter much so it was not a big deal.

4. Most songs are melodious with the very first song being the best in the set.

CONCLUSION: My wife redeemed herself after the 'Guru Shishyaru' fiasco. A charming film this one.

RATING: 3.5/5