`Navagraha` a thriller that isn`t thrilling enough (IANS Film Review)
Rating: **
Navagraha is the second film
by Dinakar Toogudeepa who had hit the jackpot with his debut venture Jothe
Jotheyalli, which dealt with post-marital incompatibility problems of two
young assertive professionals. Dinakar has now taken on a thriller.
The filmmaker has made the movie with seven artists - all sons of actors who had
excelled as villains in the film industry. His elder brother Darshan plays the
lead role.
Dinakar is looking to prove that he is versatile and can handle different
subjects as a director. In times when love stories and gangster movies have
become a trend in the Kannada film industry, Dinakar has tried to do something
different. He should be appreciated for that even though he hasn`t achieved the
desired results from this venture.
Another one who is worthy of applause is the film`s hero Darshan, who has shown
remarkable courage in accepting a role with negative shades. Darshan is one of
the most charismatic heroes in the Kannada film industry today and he has taken
a risk by taking on the role.
Navagraha revolves around a group of nine petty criminals who join
hands to steal the Mysore Dussera Golden Howdah, the golden canopy in which an
idol of the goddess is taken out in a procession. The leader of the gang is
Jaggu, who get together his sister, lover and friends to plan and execute the
risky mission of stealing the canopy that is placed under tight 24-hour
security.
The Howdah is stolen and a police team headed by a Central Bureau of
Investigation (CBI) officer is assigned to track the criminals. The gang`s
movements after the theft and the police probe form the narrative of the second
half.
Dinakar has written the script of the thriller and he has been enormously helped
by Chinthan, who has written some crisp dialogues. But Dinakar seems to be
ill-equipped to handle a thriller as is seen from many dragging sequences in the
first half. The film picks up pace in the second half, but fails to create
edge-of-the-seat moments.
Darshan has done his role with conviction. The pick of the lot is however Giri,
who has excelled in his maiden venture. Saurav gives a convincing performance as
the investigative officer.
Hari Krishna scores with two good compositions in Yaami Yaami Antharyaami
and Kan Kanasalli. Krishna Kumar`s cinematography is pleasing.
Navagraha could have been a better product if Dinakar had worked a
little more on his script. It is nevertheless a good one-time watch.
KANNADA 
