OUSTANDING 'GANDUGALI KUMARARAMA'
Shivanna Reminds Dr.Raj

Film Review : Gandugali Kumararam

Film Review by -CNB            Date -  04th August 2006              Time - 08.30 AM

Producer – Anitha Pattabhiram
Screenplay, Direction – Bhargava
Music – Gurukiran
Cinematography – Sundarnath Suvarna
Cast – Shivarajkumar, Srinivasamurthy, Ramesh Bhat, Laya, Anitha, Ramba, Doddanna, Seetha, Sumithra, Ashok, Avinash and others.

Veteran actor Srinivasamurthy is absolutely right. The statement he made during the shooting at Hampi (around the time of Dr.Rajkumar demise in Bangalore to be precise on April 12th 2006) that the Kannada audience would see another Dr.Rajkumar in Shivarajkumar is perfectly made. Every inch of Shivarajkumar performance is superb. His agile walking style, spectacular dialogue delivery, emotional situations and in action scenes he is scintillating. None other than Shivarajkumar can live up this expectation. Shivanna nee namagella Kotte (picking from one of the song lines in the film).

This is Bhargava's 50th film. Bombastic treat to the Kannada audiences in this Suvarna Karnataka time. His rich experience has made the film to look very rich. There are no disjointed scenes (thanks to editor Sounderraj – it is not easy to bring 15000 ft from nearly one lakh footage). There is no irrelevant situation. Every thing is made with care and the conscious effort of the director that deserves full appreciation for him.

Who can take up this type of historical film challenges? The empires take interest on the emperors. That's it. The M.S.R Chitralaya opulence the excellent production values take us to the days of Mayoora and Sri Krishnadevaraya. Spending money on the right subject and right team is what the best decision of M.S.R.Chitralaya.

The experience of watching this film would leave an impression that you have seen one film with the contents of half a dozen films. The obedience of son, his valiance, the cultural significance, his sacrifice, the patriotism, the truth and loyalty kept at the highest esteem are all part of this film made in a wonderful style. The developments are very fast on the screen and in 15 reels the effort is commendable.

King Kampila's son is Kumararama. He is the right son with wonderful thoughts and always safe guarding his kingdom. He can take up any challenges physically and mentally and win with flying colors. The destiny put a test on him when the tribal girl Rathna he is in love is liked by his father Kampila. Kumara Rama does not disclose this but when his father is interested in such a girl he bows down. The marriage also takes place out of compulsion and would be wife for Kumara Rama becomes step mother. He is asked by his mother to marry the minister's daughter Ramale and he obeys the order of his mother. On the other hand in the pretext of penance of 48 days the tribal girl who is in love with Kumara Rama keeps aside the King Kampila from any contact. Kumara Rama on the other hand struggle for his kingdom and the ageing father ask Kumara Rama to take the mantle. Before this Kumara Rama to the astonishment finds look alike of him and he learns from his mother that both are brothers. When the hardship from Tuglak increases Kumara Rama gives a fitting reply. Around this time the tribal lady in the kingdom force Kumara Rama to accept her as his wife but Kumara Rama disagree. Out of vengeance the tribal lady enact a drama and scream with the senior king that Kumara Rama arrested her modesty. Upset with this Kampila ask for the head of Kumara Rama.

We don't mind in explaining everything but there should be some curiosity for you also to see the film. Because this is a must see film made with grandeur.

This is undoubtedly the career best performance of Shivarajkumar so far. We might have said this earlier for the performance of Shivarajkumar. But there is something special in attributing it like this. He has brought all the 'Navarasas' in exemplary style. Marvelous improvement is there in his dialogue delivery. The situations in this film are very brilliantly told that you keep your eyes and ears wide open.

Srinivasamurthy as Kampila Raja attracts you very much. Ramesh Bhat, Avinash proves once again that they are highly talented. Laya, Anitha, Seetha, Sumithra, Rambha have good scope to perform in this film.

Cinematography by Sundarnath Suvarna is the glorious aspect of the film. The top angles, the wide angle, the close ups, the war situations have come out very well. The costumes and locations have added to the value of cinematography. Gurukiran wins once again convincingly. Yee Jeeva Jeeva Ninagagi, Sarasake Baare Sarasarane, Gini Rama, O Prema songs are simply chilling out time for the audience.

For interval the film is worth your money. The post interval continuation of extravaganza is a double bonus.

Every Kannadiga has to watch this film without fail.

The MSR deserves special kudos for showing the clips of muhurut attended by Dr.Raj and his brother Varadappa. The title card song Kannadave Sathya has been a fitting tribute the legendary actor icon of Kannada cinema Dr.Rajkumar.

Had Dr.Rajkumar been alive and seen this film he would have immensely appreciated superstar Shivarajkumar. What we can say is Shivarajkumar is 'Thandege Thakka Maga'. In real life and also in reel life!

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