Thaindian News

By V.S. Rajapur
Film: “Gandedhe”; Director: Shiva Akula; Cast: Chiranjeevi Sarja, Raagini, Devaraj, Rangayana Raghu, Ramesh Bhat, Sharath Lohithashwa and Chitra Shenoy; Music: Chakri; Rating: *1/2

“Gandedhe” is poor in content, visuals and music — made very much like an amateurish product. Producer Ramu has clearly blundered in giving the responsibility of directing the film to Telugu story writer Shiva Akula, who doesn’t seem cut out for the task.

It is surprising that a veteran producer like Ramu, known for making hugely action- oriented films, agreed to a stereotyped story with a weak script. Except for Rangayana Raghu’s comic timing, Chiranjeevi’s action sequences and Raagini’s glamour quotient in songs, the film fails in all respects.

There are many flaws in the movie. First of all, Shiva Akula’s script should have been polished enough to acquire a new contemporary look.

The story is more than 30 years old and most of the sequences are not only predictable but have been seen in a number of films earlier. Besides the lack of fresh elements, the movie gets dragging on quite a few occasions too.

The songs composed by music director Chakri are average and Shiva seems to have made it worse by placing them at inappropriate times and spaces.

The film starts off well. The proceedings of the first 15 minutes look interesting. But then the narration becomes predictable and boredom is sure to set in for the viewers.

The story is about the young, daring protagonist Krishna, who falls in love with Nandini, the daughter of a rich, powerful and influential Shankare Gowda.

Shankare Gowda is a terror in his area and does not like anyone meddling in his family matters.

But Nandini too falls for Krishna and tells him to kidnap her from her house so that they can get married secretly. Shankare Gowda tells his goons to free his daughter and kill Krishna. But an intelligent Krishna crosses all obstacles and even sends Nandini back to her house.

Meanwhile, Shankare Gowda’s crooked nephew wants to marry Nandini and he hatches a plan with his father Byregowda to kill Krishna. He even tries to marry Nandini by hoodwinking Shankare Gowda. But finally Krishna exposes the evil designs of Byregowda and his son.

Chiranjeevi Sarja, who showed some promise in his first film “Vaayuputhra” produced by his uncle and south Indian superstar Arjun Sarja, has just proved his talents in action sequences in “Gandedhe”.

He ideally should improve his dialogue delivery and brush up his act in comedy sequences. Raagini looks good in the songs.

Rangayana Raghu once again proves that he is master in comedy. A talented actor like Devaraj is, however, wasted. Sharath Lohithashwa has also very little to do in the film.

Chakri’s music is a big let down. Mujeeb’s photography is nothing spectacular though the fight sequences are well choreographed.

“Gandedhe” is a predictable fare with just some good fight scenes thrown in.