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Monday, February 10, 2025
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KANNADA LIFU ISHTENE
EDITOR'S PICK
Rating:
***
Pawan Kumar, who assisted well-known director-writer Yogaraj Bhat, makes an
impact with his directorial debut Lifu Ishtene, which boasts of his
natural flair for story telling and believable characters. The aspirations,
desires and frustrations of youngsters are well documented in the film.
The song picturisations and video promos created a lot of curiosity and the
light-hearted narration has lived up to people`s expectation. Though the
director has tried to add sentimental angle in the later part of the film, which
doesn`t gel with the story, Lifu Ishtene impresses with its neatly
picturised songs, which are placed perfectly in the story.
The story conveys the confusion faced by youngsters who are often indecisive
about many things in life, including love and profession. The film`s hero loses
count of number of girls who have ditched him, yet he tries to break new grounds
with his new love.
All the situations are laced with funny dialogues, which have been often heard
by us. Nevertheless, these dialogues are sure to bring smiles. The interactions
between the film`s hero, played by Diganth, and his friend Sathish, are the
highlight of the film.
There are some dialogues which are much harsher and crude, but they fit in to
the situations in the movie.
Conventional audiences may argue that the film may send a wrong message as the
climax implyies that irresponsible and fun loving youngsters lead a brighter
life than the others who lead a normal disciplined life.
But Lifu Ishtene is a film that does not carry any serious
overtones, still makes a poignant effort to present the confused youngsters more
realistically. The way the protagonist traces his journey of love - from his
teen years to adolescent days - has been shown quite effectively on screen. With
these scenes, Pawan shines as a good writer and promising director.
Vishaal is a careless youngster who does not have any set goals in life. In
contrast, his friend Shivu is serious and advises Vishaal to reform himself.
But Vishaal, whose parents allow him a lot of freedom, finds his own way to deal
with his love affairs. He falls for Nandini and wants to marry her. Nandini
wants Vishaal to take up a job as it will help her discuss the marriage proposal
with her father. At this point they break up.
Later Vishaal meets television anchor Rashmi who is ready to marry him.
Meanwhile Vishaal`s best friend Shivu falls ill.
Diganth natural dialogue delivery and lively performance are the plus point. He
looks extremely handsome and is sure to bring in a lot of audience to theatres.
But it is young and talented Sathish, who delivers a strong performance as
Shivu.
Actresses Samyuktha and Sindhu are quite impressive. But Sindhu has an
artificial dialogue delivery style.
Other artists have are good in their respective roles.
The major attraction of the film is the lyrical beauty and composition of the
song Yaarige helona namma problemmu.
Junior Devadasa is another impressive song. Mano Murthy once again
excels in his composition work. Jnana Murthy captures the mood of the film quite
effectively.
Editing is also good.
Despite some of the flaws, Pawan Kumar`s debut film Lifu Ishtene
looks interesting and watchable.
