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Film Review : `MISS CALIFORNIA'

Film Review by -CNB                                    Date -  02nd June 2006

Banner : Mallikanjali Creations
Producer : Mallika Dattatreya (U.S.A.)
Story : C N Muktha (Based on the novel Megha Mandara')
Director :Kodlu Ramakrishna
Music : Dr. Ravi Dattatreya (U.S.A.)
C.E.O : Ram Prasad (Moodal Kunigal Kere...' fame)
Screenplay : Vagdevi
Dialogue : Satyamurthy Anandoor
Cinematography : AC Mahendra
Cast - Diganth, Janu, Sowmya, Dattanna, Bhavyaand others.

The redeeming feature of this film 'Miss California' is its splendid location and controlled performance from debutant Janu and Soumya. As fresher they are at ease. They have immersed in their roles and come out in flying colors. Janu with typical NRI look adds extra mileage required for the film. Soumya is girl next door. The musical scores of Ravi Dattatreya in his debut are above average.

For the pleasant and serene viewing of the film Mallikanjali creations deserves congratulations.

'Miss California' takes you to the most advanced place in visual splendor. Handling the two different cultures there is no biting as such. No aversion is passed. Sharat Babu claiming that widow remarriage is not there in India is the ignorance of the dialogue writer Satyamurthy Anandanoor.

Cameraman A.C.Mahender tried to make use of the available light and at places the mist spoils the feel. After Kannada films 'America America' and 'Nanna Preethiya Hudugi' by Nagathihalli Chandrasekhat here is another opportunity for Kannada audience to take a look at the spectacular beauty of United States of America.

Diganth on his visit to California to receive the award for wildlife photography comes back with his close relatives who are in California since 20 years. Prasad, Shakuntala and Janu come to India to attend the close relative wedding in Thirthahalli. Janu is born and brought up in California and she takes a lot of time to immune herself to the Indian culture and tradition. In the meantime she bails out Gowri from the forced marriage on the day of marriage and this episode shakes the prestige of everyone in the family. The family members feel that the return of Prasad and family is responsible for this development and prestige falling down. Prasad and his family arrange for return back but Janu has missed her passport we come to know. She stays back for a few weeks in Diganth's house. Once not interested in the system and marriage to Diganth she slowly develops love with him. Thanks to bees! But there is silent admirer of Diganth - Soumya - Janu is aware of this and she is responsible for love blossoming in innocent Soumya mind because she wanted to escape from marriage to Diganth - a few reels back. When Janu is coming very close to Diganth it is Soumya who questions her attitudes. It is a forced love from you Soumya but mine is automatic love says Janu. Not happy with this Soumya remains aloof. Janu breaks the secret that she has the passport with her and makes ready to go to US to attend the Miss California pageant. In the meantime Diganth finds the missing Gowri (thanks to Janu) and he reunites her finding the truth that it is the right stand of Gowri.

Totally changed in her perception Janu dislikes the US culture and on compulsion she participates in the 'Miss California' contest on a condition that Diganth, Soumya and family members should take part in it. As expected she gets the crown with a fitting answer to the question posed to her but it is not true as you think in the coming reels.

We do not want to tell everything and make you know everything.

You have to watch this film for the visual beauty, the regular surprise elements, and good performances and above average musical scores.

Diganth has a long way to go. Dattanna, Sharat Babu, Jayanthi, Swastik Shanker and Bhavya have given admirable support.

Based on C.N.Muktha's novel this film 'Miss California' is aptly made for the family viewing.

Do not have any hesitation in picking this film for you, your family and relatives.

Also log on to Miss California official web site - Click

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