Film: Mr and Mrs Ramachari
Starring: Yash, Radhika Pandit, Dhyaan
Directed by: Santhosh Ananddram
Stories revolving around family relationships can often be tricky. Especially when it comes to balancing the script with romance, action, values, comedy—all leading to a commercial entertainer. Today, when the dynamics of cinema have changed dramatically, debutant director Santhosh Ananddram seems to have understood the nuances of making a family entertainer, with a little help from a popular film of yesteryears.
While Mr and Mrs Ramachari pays tribute to a legend like
Vishnuvardhan by bringing alive his character Ramachari (from Nagarahavu), the director treads a fresh path focussing on family values, keeping the aging father and mother in the audience engaged while generating enough moments for the whistling young audience too. The story also affirms the favourite adage of family social dramas that parents can decide the future of their children.
The plot revolves around
Ramachari (Yash), who is a fan of Vishuvardhan and is influenced by the character the latter played in Nagarahavu. Ramachari is a carefree guy with no plans for his future, which obviously irks his father, Shankar (Achyuth Kumar). Unlike Ramachari, his brother Hari (Vishal) is studious and lives upto the expectations of his father.
Not interested in studies,
Ramachari goes to college once in a while. On one such occasion, he comes across Divya (Radhika Pandit). Love strikes and he begins to call her Margaret (the name of Ramachari’s girl friend in Nagarahavu).
Ramachari seeks help of his friend Dattu (Ashok Sharma) to impress the girl not knowing that he is the brother of Divya. Dattu initially reacts possessively but later accepts the relationship. While the rest of Divya’s family also accepts their relationship, her mother opposes.
The twist in the tale comes in the second half when Hari leaves the house as he does not want to accept a wedding proposal from Shankar’s friend Venky (Srinath) on behalf of his daughter. That’s when Shankar realises the value of his reviled son. Without asking Ramachari, he promises Venky that he will get his daughter married to him. Will Ramachari sacrifice his love to keep his father’s word? Will Divya go by her mother’s choice of another groom? These conflicts form the rest of the story.
Kudos to director Santhosh, who has written the story, screenplay and dialogues. He has also managed to combine mass entertainment and classy subtleties. He equally justifies Ramachari’s character in certain portions by including a popular background score from Nagarahavu, the mouth organ, and most certainly the tattoo, which enhances the hero’s characterisation.
Yash continues to charm his audience with another delightful turn. He is strong in scenes which deal with relationships. Yash as Ramachari doesn’t come across as the unblemished boy next door. He is a youth of principles but with his own quirks. Achyuth is perfectly cast in as the father. Look out for the night scene in the middle of the road, when he stops Ramachari and requests him to shake a leg to a song since he missed watching his son dancing during his childhood. The
moment perfectly captures the emotions shared between a father and son.
Radhika lends great grace to her character and looks quite comfortable with Yash. Watching Yash and Radhika in love is an exhilarating sight. It was a good decision to pair two good actors at the peak of their considerable charm. Both excel on their own and as a couple.
Ramachari also comes with small surprises with good supporting characters like Malavika Avinash, Srinath among others. Ashok who plays Yash’s friend is a delight. Dhyaan’s entry and Sadhu Kokila comedy are all placed at the right time and right place.
The charm also comes with the way the background music and songs are integrated into the film. There are a couple of good songs by V Harikrisha and a song An thamma sung by Yash tops the charts. Credit also goes to cinematographer Vaidy S and editor
K M Prakash for doing a good job.
A film that works on many levels and is cheerful, romantic and emotional, Mr and Mrs Ramachari definitely celebrates relationships. Don’t miss it.