Five minute review of Made In Bengaluru Kannada Movie - which is about struggles and triumph of startup founded by three friends in Bengaluru. Movie features veterans like Anant Nag, Sai Kumar, Prakash Belawadi, Sudha Belawadi, Ramesh Bhat along with new comers Madhusudan Govind, Puneet Manja, Vamshidhar, Himanshi Varma. Though not great, this movie can be said as a good attempt looking at the dearth of movies made about startups in Kannada.
ಮೇಡ್ ಇನ್ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಚಿತ್ರದ ವಿಶ್ಲೇಷಣೆ ಕೇವಲ ಐದು ನಿಮಿಷದಲ್ಲಿ . ಮೂವರು ಗೆಳೆಯರು ತಮ್ಮ ಕಾರ್ಪೊರೇಟ್ ಕೆಲಸಗಳನ್ನು ಬಿಟ್ಟು ಸ್ವಾರ್ಟ್ ಅಪ್ ಶುರುಮಾಡುವ ಕಥೆ ಇದರಲ್ಲಿದೆ. ಚಿತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಅನಂತ ನಾಗ್, ಸಾಯಿಕುಮಾರ್ , ಪ್ರಕಾಶ್ ಬೆಳವಾಡಿ, ಸುಧಾ ಬೆಳವಾಡಿ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಹೊಸಬರಾದ ಮಧುಸೂಧನ್ ಗೋವಿಂದ್, ಪುನೀತ್ ಮಂಜ, ವಂಶೀಧರ್, ಹಿಮಾಂಶಿ ವರ್ಮ ತಾರಾಗಣವಿದೆ. ಅತ್ಯುತ್ತಮವಲ್ಲದಿದ್ದರೂ ಸ್ಟಾರ್ಟ್ ಅಪ್ ಬಗೆಗಿನ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳ ಅಭಾವದ ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಈ ಚಿತ್ರ ಒಂದು ಉತ್ತಮ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ ಅನ್ನಬಹುದು.
What's the connection between Steve Jobs and Kantara! What was unique about Kantara marketing? How it came a pan-India blockbuster. Watch our deep dive into Kantara - the phenomenon!
In our latest episode in Gaalipata channel, we do a deep dive into the following aspects that made the film Kantara, a global phenomenon.
How does closing of a Kannada medium school in Kasaragodu in Kerala bordering Karnataka, matter to mainstream Kannadiga audience? Well, it does matter, if you go by the cheerful full house crowd on a weekday, clapping and blowing whistles at every opportunity! When at the end, the stars of the movie appeared in the movie hall – it was an ecstatic atmosphere.
The film opens with children back in the Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shaale (Govt Higher Primary School), Kasaragodu, after spending leisure time during holidays. Mischievous Mahendra, Dadda Praveen who has a crush on Pallavi, Innocent Mammootty with his miserly father portray beautiful childhood. With green and scenic coastal background and a potpourri of Kannada, Tulu and Malayalee cultures bring out rich visuals. In addition, it is delightful to hear different dialects of Kannada along with the Kannada dialect of Kasaragodu. Vasuki Vaibhav’s music strikes the right chord both in peppy Dadda song and in classical rendition of Hey Sharade. Moreover, touch of humor in every scene makes the movie thoroughly enjoyable and is more than enough to make us nostalgic.
In the meantime, when the funds are not get allocated for school repairs, teachers are not paid on time and when the linguistic minority school is overlooked for government schemes troubles begin in the paradisaical setting. It reaches a point, when the school has to be closed, citing poor student strength. How the school is reopened form rest of the story.
Telling a serious issue in a humorous way is a challenge. Director Rishab Shetty has succeeded very well in that throughout the movie. Even when the story takes predictable twists towards the climax with themes of corruption and self-interests, humor keeps it going. Rishab has also touched a sensitive linguistic issue without verbal bashing. Kudos on that.
Coming back to the question, I asked in the beginning – how closing of Kannada medium schools outside Karnataka matter to Kannadigas? It matters because it is the state of affairs in Karnataka as well, where Kannada medium schools are closed, due to poor student strength. This film does not delve deep into the reasons but it does create awareness. Looking for reasons - is it because of the mushrooming English medium schools, which is because we don’t have jobs for people who studied in Kannada medium, which is because we with our policies, have created a feudal and corrupt system as such.
We are fascinated by great movies. Do you wonder what makes a great movie? Is there a pattern in the great movies, which makes us irresistible to watch them? Surely, there is a formula - ABDCE. Confused? Watch my speech at my Toastmasters Club, ORA*TORS, to find out! It is part of Competent Communicator certification offered by Toastmasters International.
Operation Alamelamma had created waves with its captivating trailer and the movie does not disappoint. There is freshness in depicting the love blooming between Purmy, who is doing odd jobs to make a living and Ananya, a school teacher. Purmy's love for branded items makes him fall in love as well as fall into the hands of police on charges of kidnapping. As you might have guessed, it is a suspense thriller, which Suni has handled well. I kept guessing who the culprit was till the end of the movie and was wondering why the name Operation Alamelamma?
Apart from the suspense, which keeps the audience glued, it is Bengaluru's flavor which instills the spirit of our beautiful city. Visit to buttefly park and museum and trek to avalabetta bring back happy memories. Film takes a dig at popular Kannada serials with references such as Vayusaakshi and Amruthadarshini, which is hilarious! Candid market scenes is another way to depict the way of life in Bengaluru.
The song Alaga alaga is melodious. I particularly liked the line comparing heroine to Brihma Kamala (Epiphyllum oxypetalum), pristine white flower which blooms in the night. Another song Tili Sanje depicts the comical way of life of the characters, which is too good. Cinematography is excellent too, with aerial shots of Bengaluru coming out very well. Manish Rishi, the hero, who is making a debut does well to balance the innocent, comical and witty acts. Shraddha Srinath, as a bold and talkative girl impresses too.
Finally, how can a Suni movie be without punchy and witty dialogues? They are seamlessly integrated in this suspense thriller unlike his Simple Love Stories, where they stood out sidelining the plot. On the other hand, authentic Kannada dialect from Mangaluru has been used for comedy, which is been blended nicely. Seems like authentic Mangaluru Kannada dialect is the flavor of the season. Though at some places in the movie, dull moments are felt, it is the pace of the story which keeps the audience moving. Overall, a good movie to watch!
Following is the trailer of the movie - Operation Alamelamma
“Sanitation is more important than political independence”,
“Just as there is no shame in being a labourer for one’s self, so also is there no shame in labouring for others”
The above two quotes from Mahatma Gandhi emphasizes on the importance of cleanliness and the dignity of labour. B M Giriraj’s latest venture, Amaravathi precisely portrays our attitude towards both.
In 2012, stink of Bengaluru’s garbage reached New York and London. Common perception about it was the mismanagement of waste. But few know about the mistreatment of men, who keep our cities garbage and filth-free – garbage collectors and sanitary workers. With realistic portrayal, they find their voice in the movie.
As I had seen the video songs of Kirik Party before the release, I had some assumptions and expectations about the plot. Few assumptions did come true but I cannot say the same about the expectations. Film is largely focusses on mischiefs of the last benchers and college gang wars. In between, Kirik Party tries to raise an issue, which is considered taboo.
The film is a nostalgic trip back to the engineering days. Freshers taking on the seniors, pranks played, crushes, college fests delight the audience. You could also be jotting down points in your mind when there is an argument regarding which branch of engineering is best. Songs, which were already a hit add to the scintillating portrayal. Brilliantly composed, Katheyonda Helide Bari Guruthugale College Ali will sure be heard in college farewells. Belageddu Yara Mukhava Naanu Nodide is well written and depicts a love story in its own way.
Kirik Party Poster : Picture Courtesy - filmibeat.com
But the voilent college gang war is a drag at times. Overenthusiastic mechanical professor trying to analyze mechanical problems becomes irritating. The video songs released before the release of the movie, tell bits and parts of the story. So, this has taken out the thrill of understanding the plot details for the first time in theatres. Moreover, movie does not have a great plot. It survives only on dialogues and heroism. In few scenes, I felt Yogaraj Bhat’s style of depicting blossoming love between hero and heroine, which does not enthrall much. So, though the film brings back memories of college life, it fails to engage the audience all the time and entertains only in parts.
First thing first. Mungaru Male 2 is not a continuation of the story from the first part! Then, what is it about?
Story : First half of the movie tries to establish that Preetham’s is a follower of YOLO(you only live once) philosophy. But this has given a single perspective to the character. Girl friends and parties are the mainstay in Preetham’s life. But there is a problem. Preetham gets bored with his girlfriends quite easily. So, the cycle of infatuation and break up repeats. This is a drag at times. In the second half, Preetham lands himself in Nandini’s house, who is about to get married! I think I need not explain, what happens after this. But there is a twist, which though is cliched!
GBSM, U Turn and Thithi have taken Kannada film industry by storm with viewers finding it difficult to get tickets even on weekdays! Here are the quick reviews of these path breaking films, which may help you in deciding to watch these movies. Godhi Banna Sadharna Mykattu (GBSM) : Venkob Rao, who is living in an old age home and suffering from Alzheimer's, goes missing. His son, Shiva and Sahana, the doctor who was attending Mr. Rao, begin search for him. In this arduous journey, lead characters rediscover themselves. GBSM is a must watch for those who love emotional stories and philosophical insights on life. For a detailed review of GBSM, please click here. U Turn : Taking a simple incident of traffic violation, director Pawan Kumar crafts an engaging story, which is thrilling till the last minute. Along with being a nice entertainer, the film emerges as a hard hitting commentary on the lack of civic sense in Indian cities. This is definitely worth going, if you like edge of the seat thrillers. For a complete review of U Turn, please click here.
Thithi : Thithi entertains with its subtle humor despite being an artistic movie. The film is also realistic, like most artistic movies. Presenting different takes on life, film leaves a lasting impression with its philosophical overtones. If you are an ardent fan of parallel cinema, this is a must watch for you and for the rest, you may not enjoy that much but still can take a chance. For a detailed review of Thithi, please click here.
What Thithi is about?Thithi in Kannada means final rites. It is a brilliant story spanning 11 days from the death of a patriarch to his grand last rites ceremony on the 11th day. How three generations of the man, popularly known as Century Gowda (a centenarian), gear up for his final ceremony form the crux of the film.
Realistic Depiction: First thing, which strikes you in Thithi is the realistic depiction of rural background in Mandya, Karnataka. This is much in the same light as in the recent Kannada film - Kiragoorina Gayyaligalu. If you are new to this, definitely you would feel it exotic. This is one major reason, why it has thrilled movie buffs all over. Even the characters, their motives and the way of life look so natural on screen. To top it all, most of them are not professional actors! How can this go unnoticed in the world of cinema?
Humor: Raam Reddy cleverly employs humor in major part of the film. Sarcasm, innocence, aloofness, dilemmas – displayed by a plethora of characters evokes laughter. In some scenes, one can also observe the actors with a grin, apparently conscious of the camera!
What is GBSM about? Neglect of elders by their own children is a prevalent problem especially in metros. Godhi Banna Sadharna Mykattu (GBSM) makes an effort to look into it. The story begins quickly with Mr. Venkob Rao going missing, within few minutes into the movie. This surprises you as you would have expected some drama before that.
Humor: Humor plays an important role in the movie. So, though dealing with a serious subject, you would be tickling your funny bone at regular intervals. Interestingly, the incident which leads to the major twist in the story involves humor. Bengaluru dialect of Urdu has been used in a comedy scene, for which you would definitely need the subtitles!
Music: You would be scared, if I tell that the movie contains 9 songs. You can check out those songs here. But not to worry as mostly bits of songs are used. Whenever you feel it could be an emotional overdose scene, director quickly switches to a song. I must say, this has proved effective in conveying the thoughts.
Prologue : I remember, Pawan Kumar, in his short film making workshops, emphasizes on how a creative person develops a personal disturbance into a story. Sometime back, Pawan had witnessed a giant fuel tanker falling off a flyover near Nagarabhavi, Bengaluru. Quite disturbed, he had shared the incident in his Facebook status. Now, if you see U-Turn, you can readily make the connection.
What is U-Turn about? U-Turn is a simple story revolving around a traffic violation, so commonly seen in Bengaluru. But you can change the setting to any metro in India and you will find the same story shaping pretty well, there too.
Movies directed by Upendra are loud, on the face and well known for their insensitive portrayal of the society. Well, these qualities of his films have earned him fans and haters in equal measure. But in Uppi 2, director seems to have toned down. At times, you feel several scenes are screen adaptations of Zen stories – short but full of wisdom. First half of the movie is entertaining with dialogues filled with ‘Uppism’. This is well received by the audience by laughter and applause. But this cannot be said whole heartedly about the other half.
Intriguing, captivating and to top it all, visually enthralling - Rangitaranga with its new team brings in fresh perspective to Kannada cinema. Taking cue from Guddada Bhoota - a popular television serial in the 90s, debutant director does a wonderful job in exploring its modern possibilities. Dennana Dennana - the title song of the serial haunts even after 25 years. So is Rangitaranga, even after you have left the movie hall.
A thriller in its true sense, Rangitaranga casts a spell with its exquisite scenes depicting the vivid picture of the fictional village of Kamarottu. Enriching this setting is the backdrop of vibrant culture of coastal Karnataka. Yes, it is the same name of the village in Guddada Bhoota.Of course, the plot is not the same. An elusive writer with his wife comes to his spouse's ancestral village. As soon as they arrive, they encounter unusual incidents. This begins the search for the root cause and in turn, their own past.
One pertinent observation in the film is its usage of pristine Kannada both in songs and dialogues - very refreshing to hear those immaculate words. Particularly the song - Akka Pakka - so contemporary in its style, yet so frugal in its use of non-Kannada words makes an impression and it has already made it to the chartbusters. Kele Cheluve - based on traditional Yakshagana(folk art of coastal Karnataka) tune is a melody and how can I forget Kareyole Kareva Ole - a brilliant composition.
Rangitaranga is one of those edge-of-the-seat thrillers, with its tight plot and equally good execution. Web of sub-plots creates the necessary confusion to give that awe factor, when the mystery is finally revealed. On the other hand, movie could have done away with stereotyped dialogues in few scenes. Also, I certainly felt that climax could have been better and trimmed. Few unnecessary twists and songs could have been dropped too. But these points do not take away the essence of the colorful wave in which the audience get caught in. Surely, don’t miss this one.
Dennana Dennana is the most popular song from the movie RangiTaranga. The song is in Tulu language. You can now read the translation of the song in English here.
Not sure if many of us aware of the website for this film. Ok, here is the RangiTaranga film website in English and Kannada. Here, you will find the lyrics of all those melodious songs, promotional videos and posters to download!
Update :16 October 2015
As expected, RangiTaranga has completed 100 days in theaters, a rare occurrence these days. Kudos to RangiTaranga team! Update :27 December 2015
RangiTaranga has completed 175 days (25 weeks) in theaters and is eyeing on completing 200 days soon!
Update :26 January 2016
RangiTaranga has bagged 8 awards at IIFA Utsavam - 2016 (South Indian segment of the annual International Indian Film Academy Awards)
Best Film - RangiTaranga
Best Director - Anup Bhandari
Best Music - Anup Bhandari
Best Lyrics - Anup Bhandari
Best Supporting Role - Sai Kumar
Best Background Music - Ajaneesh Loknath
Best Sound Mixing - Murali Rayasam
Below is the trailer of the movie and the video of Akka pakka song
Vaastu Prakaara is definitely not about Vaastu or its misinterpretations. But then what is it about is also unclear. Senseless talk of people who are in love, philosophical takes on love and life, if life is boring you ought to talk with a friend over a drink and everything ends well in the climax - Yogaraj Bhat's formula for his brand of movies lately continues here too. Only difference this time being all the dialogues are spoken in far off Switzerland and not in Karnataka. It isn't surprising if you find shades of Deepa Sannidhi from Paramaatma, Nidhi Subbaiah from Pancharangi or Aindrita Ray from Mansaare. It just goes to show that you have seen enough of Yogaraj Bhat's movies. The talk of invention of a new language for this movie, during the promotion of the film in the TV channels is a farce. It is speaking gibberish, which is neither new in Indian movies nor it requires an extraordinary talent. Convenient usage of English wherever required is enough to say that new language thing is just a gimmick.
To make a film around the popularity of the word 'Vaastu' is a commendable job. In the first scene, when a Vaastu consultant in a TV program gives suggestions on Vaastu and at the end of the movie, on the same TV program, when words are spoken against Vaastu are the only two instances where Vaastu discussion comes into picture. But all the while, it is said that there is nothing called Vaastu. Also, when Jaggesh and Rakshit Shetty posing as Vaastu consultants talk about Vaastu compliances and what needs to be changed in the house of the client, they do not look convincing. A hurried script is evident from the dialogues. I would have expected some funny situations arising out of misinterpretations of Vaastu or some serious debate over it. More so, because director's earlier movies had dialogues or lines in songs which mocked Vaastu. But you would find none, which is very disappointing.
Only bright aspect I could find in the movie is the melodious song - besara, kaatara, gadda, hale haadu - which you would have already heard on FM radio or seen in a TV channel. So, the movie can be avoided at best.
You can read the review of Mythri in Kannada here.
Mythri, the Kannada movie, presents a serious issue through humor as well as touches the cinematic sensibilities of the audience on the way. That apart, catchy punchlines set the tempo in the movie! It is not that movie is without stereotyped characters or predictable twists in the story. But the film manages to go beyond that and raises the voice of that social segment which is downtrodden and considered to be antisocial. We have seen the crew in other films boasting their film to be different during promotions, which more often than not prove to be false. But Mythri truly differs in treatment of the subject handled by very few. It is also heartening to see Giriraj utilizing second half and climax in the movie to full effect, which is a rare phenomenon in Kannada cinema nowadays. There is no hesitation in calling this movie, a bridge film as it finely blends elements of parallel and mainstream cinema. But some scenes which show too much violence and some which seem explicit could have been avoided. In that sense, movie could have been subtle in some aspects. Having said that I would say movie is a fine effort in a time when Kannada movie industry is stuggling to come up with original scripts.
Juvenile crime and harsh realities around it form the crux of the movie. Depiction of antisocial elements who take advantage of the loopholes in juvenile law in India and prejudices against juvenile criminals come out well in the film. Though at times one feels the shadow of the Slumdog millionaire on the movie, Mythri retains its distinctness.
It is good to see many hands join for a movie made with a good intention. Many big names in the industry - Malayalam movie legend Mohanlal, Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar, director Shashank, Atul Kulkarni and Ravi Kale, who are known for their fine performances play their part in acting. Music maestro Ilayaraj has rendered the music for the film. Yogaraj Bhat and Jayanth Kaykini well known for their lyrics for popular Kannada numbers and poet H S Venkateshamurthy have penned the songs. Bhavana Menon, Satyajith, Sadhu Kokila play guest roles. Interestingly, director Giriraj himself has lent his voice for Ravi Kale’s role of Guli Prathap. Success of Mythri is a tribute to this combined effort as film continues to run for the second week in many theatres of Bangalore. Already the buzz in Gandhinagar is about this movie being made in Telugu with Nagarjuna playing the of role which Puneeth played. If that materializes, it would be a feather in cap for the team.
Earlier, B M Giriraj had directed a short film ‘Navilaadavaru’, much before ‘Jatta’, which won Karnataka state award for being the second best film. You can find review of ‘Navilaadavaru’ here. Also, have a look at the trailer of the movie Mythri in the youtube link below.
Lucia made news right from its funding. Every move team Lucia made was exciting for the audience which is predominantly Facebook generation which was getting regular Facebook updates from Pawan Kumar. Many of us became integral part of the movie in various ways - by becoming producers, by being part of the film shoot, by competing to become a contributor to the movie or simply by observing the developments. Now after seeing the movie, its brilliant execution makes us proud for a movie which we call our own.
Lucia is a ground breaking movie with a story line which is unusual for a Kannada flick. Awesome camera work captures the essence of the engaging movie. Nikki is an usher in a talkies who suffers from insomnia. He starts getting wild dreams of becoming a film star after a fateful encounter. Real and imaginary halves of Nikki which are intertwined form the crux of the story line.But to find when the fine lines between reality and illusion blur you need to watch movie.
Though a thought provoking film, Pawan Kumar has not shied away from adding commercial elements to the movie like an item song and action sequences which fit perfectly. Witty dialogues add to glamour of the movie. As in his previous movie, he presses for the cause of Kannada without being rhetoric. One can also see the dig at the way Kannada film industry is run today without being explicit. You can also find Pawan paying tribute to other equally good directors in the industry today in some scenes which is an encouraging sign. I believe Lucia should herald a new era in the Kannada film industry and Pawan Kumar has found the audience he was targeting at for these kind of movies. Following is the video where one of finest actors of Indian cinema, Irrfan Khan shares his thoughts about the movie.
More than two decades into liberalization era, we are yet to fully fathom the subtle impacts it has made in our lives and those around us. Ironically, the changes have become so obvious that we fail to recognize them let alone get into the details. Latest addition to these developments is FDI in retail.
Bharat Stores tries to project the plight of small retail vendors in the present scenario.
If change of our tastes and our growing fascination with mall culture have indirectly affected the traditional consumer vendor relationship, introduction of food coupons have forced us to walk up to the mall even if takes time to pick items ourselves and stand in long queues for billing. Scenes like these readily connects to you but it does not go beyond that. May be we have accepted that as a progressive change. That is why you feel somewhere the film misses the core point how lopsided development affects people in different social strata.
But there are bright points too like portrayal of how traditional business marketing falls short of massive media campaigns of multinational conglomerates. I feel that one could have also included how consumers would be exploited later by these biggies once all the small vendors are removed and consumers are forced to buy what is dictated. One also feels that not being able to adapt to change is what lead to traditional vendors like protagonist Govinda Shetty's fall. Also, I also felt director could have included how the western model of development cannot be directly applied to India; it needs customization. Presenting a sorry picture of the situation would go down as one of those emotional dramas which is true here too. Overall, the film looks more like a one-sided documentary on cons of FDI in retail. But there are scary aspects of FDI presented here like how the retail giants are getting the fields leased out for them and dictating what crops to grow and how they should be grown too. I came to know similar stories about farmers leasing out their farms around Bangalore.
Passing thought : Overheard from the audience saying ironically that we were watching the film which is against mall culture in a mall. Also, fans were upset with the national award winning film releasing only in multiplexes. No comments about that!
Yes, it is simple and it manages to hold the attention of the audience for most part. Catchy dialogues laced with sakhath Bengaluru lingo set laugh riot. You savour those moments when your thoughts turn into words on screen instantly.
But at sometimes you feel out of synch with the outburst of words as the background commentry snatches your reaction time and it becomes even more difficult with the giggling crowd. It is a good show by the team keeping in mind that there are only few characters and they don't make you sleep. You feel boring only when the simple story takes the usual complicated twist in the climax. Though I did not fancy the climax I must appreciate director's efforts in making the audience watch the final scenes standing.
