Thaindian News

Film: “Oru Nadigayin Vakkumoolam”; Directo: Rajkrishna; Cast: Sonia Agarwal, Yogi Devaraj, Girija, Raj Kapoor, Manobala, Ganja Karuppu, Kovai Sarala and Nicole; Cinematographer: Naga Krishnan; Composer: Aadhish; Rating: Rating: * 1/2

Journalist-turned-director Rajkrishna has helmed “Oru Nadigayin Vakkumoolam ” and has made a bold attempt to expose the dark underbelly of tinsel town.

Though the subject is sensitive as it deals with the dignity of a woman who enters showbiz, the movie fails to deal with the theme genuinely. “Oru Nadigayin Vakkumoolam”, which marks Sonia Agarwal’s comeback, has come out as a half-baked attempt.

Anjali (Sonia) is a popular actress, who goes missing one day. A journalist (’Punnagai Poo’ Geetha) takes it upon himself to find her. After running from pillar to post, he discovers Anjali’s whereabouts as well as some shocking facts.

The flashback shows that Anjali hails from Andhra Pradesh. She is the daughter of a poor artiste (’Yogi’ Devaraj) and comes to Chennai with her mother to become an actress.

The mother and the daughter knock at every possible door for work, but have to face disappointment.

After some bitter experiences they realise that nothing is possible without casting couch. Left with no other option, Anjali decides to take a plunge into the murky world. And lady luck smiles on her and she becomes a top actress.

But after becoming successful, Anjali decides to disappear when she realises that her mother and other family members are with her only for her money.

Rajkrishna, who gathered plenty of stories about actresses’ exploitation in the film industry, should be applauded for showing the guts to tell them on big screen. However, he has failed to narrate it deftly. His handling of the subject lacks maturity.

A theme that had the potential to be an engrossing tale turns out to be a dull fare with diluted and archaic approach.

The narrative style is outdated. The proceedings are disjointed and the screenplay lacks any coherence or logic.

Lengthy dialogues are quite boring.

Performance wise Sonia gets into the skin of her character and enacts her role well. Others don’t seem to have understood what to do with their characters.

Music, editing and other technical departments too have let the film down.

Rajkrishna has wasted a theme that could have been turned into an impactful movie. Taking up a sensitive issue and diluting shows that there is a lack of concern and commitment towards the subject.

The end makes us think that the journalist has just used the theme to get adequate coverage in the media.

Such futile attempts only weakens genuine voices raised with real concern against the exploitation.