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EDITOR'S PICK
Rating: **
"Modhala Sala" starts off very well, raising hopes
of a good film from debutant director Purushotham.
Everything goes well for the film, including the crisp dialogues. The director
has been able to extract neat performances from all the artistes and the music
complements the film`s tone.
But just an hour after the beginning, the director tries to add a lot of
unnecessary elements and over-emphasises some sentimental sequences which drag
the film and spoil the narration.
The result is that the film which promises a lot in the beginning ends up as
another dragging film with an elastic narration. There are too many parts, like
the flashback sequence which are full of illogical elements and forced emotions.
The climax is not only unconvincing but even tedious.
To be fair to the film`s director Purushotham, who has had a long experience of
working with many good directors on the Kannada screen, he has used his writing
abilities to the best as far as the dialogues are concerned. And the locations
he has chosen for the emotional sequences provide a perfect backdrop.
He has been ably supported by a team of good artistes like Rangayana Raghu and
Tara who have even overshadowed the younger lead pair. But all these finer
elements fail to make an impact in the end because of the dragging elements in
the second half and the repetition of sequences which tests the patience of the
viewers.
The story goes like this.
Karthick, the son of a rich industrialist, goes to his native village to perform
the last rites of his deceased mother. He accidentally meets Deepa, the daughter
of simple, honest parents who value love and sentiments more than anything else.
Karthick and Deepa decide to marry. Deepa`s parents approve the alliance, but
not Karthick`s father.
The reasons for his opposition is explained in a flashback sequence. In the
extended climax sequence, the director further tests the patience of the
audience by giving too many twists to the narration.
The film certainly belongs to veteran artistes Rangayana Raghu and Tara who have
really done a fantastic job. For a change, Rangayana Raghu has portrayed a
different type of role - that of a timid person with a golden heart. Tara
provides ample support.
The film`s hero looks good on screen with his designer clothes, but Malayalam
actress Bhama is a wrong choice. Avinash has a brief role in the film but he
makes an impact with the right emotions.
Venu`s top class cinematography is an asset, while Hari Krishna`s music
complements the film`s emotions.
"Modhala Sala" has good technical values and neat performances from
the artistes. But the film, which starts off well, loses its track half way and
ends up as a disappointment.