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EDITOR'S PICK
Rating: **1/2
Every other Kannada film that is released these days seems to be a remake. While
some of the Kannada films released recently have shown that there is no dearth
of creative talent in the industry, the number of remake apologists has been
growing.
Vinod Prabhakar`s comeback film Hori too is a remake of the 2002
Malayalam blockbuster Meesa Madhavan.
The original Malayalam film, directed by actor-director Lal Jose, catapulted its
hero Dileep into superstardom. Its comedy sequences are still popular on YouTube.
The Kannada remake has been made with certain changes, with a focus on the
action sequences, though majority of comedy portions have been retained.
To give credit where it`s due, it has to be said that Hori is an
enjoyable fare, despite its shift of focus to action and the overacting by
Doddanna, who plays the role of Sahukara Sidda.
Even the two heroines fail to make any impression. The dialogues lack the
wittiness seen in the original film. But the surprise element of the film is
Vinod Prabhakar, who really makes a mark in the action and comedy sequences.
Yes, he has imitated his father Tiger Prabhakar`s dialogue delivery, which can
bring back memories of the late Tiger`s style, but he has managed to carry the
responsibility of essaying a challenging role quite effectively. He clearly
proves that he can be used in the toughest of action sequences.
However, it should be said that the film`s length could have been trimmed to
make it more compact. Some portions could have been better edited as well.
Technically too, the film does not attain the standards seen in the contemporary
Kannada film scene. The background music is good, though the same can hardly be
said about the song compositions.
The strength of the original film was the way commercial elements were packaged.
Despite its duration of 165 minutes, quite acceptable at the time of its
release, the film had engaged the audience very well. But the remake lacks this
quality.
Krishna is a village thief, who is also known for his Robin Hood style
benevolence. Krishna`s positive attitude and sense of humour attracts Radha, the
daughter of a police constable.
But Radha`s father arranges his daughter`s marriage with a rich man in the
neighbourhood. Krishna then uses his tact to get the constable`s house documents
pledged to money lender Siddappa.
Even Krishna`s father`s property has been mortgaged to the cunning and cruel
loan shark, whose daughter Rukmini and Krishna have always been quarrelling with
each other.
However, both of them fall in love, which angers Siddappa, who tries to separate
them through his wicked ways. But Krishna uses his guile to overcome all
obstacles created by Siddappa to marry his love Rukmini.
Vinod Prabhakar steals the show with his overall performance, but he should also
take care of his weight. Delhi girl Gowri Munjal could have been better in a
role which offered lot of opportunities. Rumaneethu has a small role, but she is
good only in the song sequence.
Hori is an enjoyable film despite its flaws. Worth a dekko.