In Sandalwood, among the actors most admired, the audience may not be able to find a common factor, but among those whom they love, they can. These are the ones who make them laugh. And in the current breed of heroes, Sharan surely fits the bill.
And when the actor effortlessly says, “Timingu meaningu elade, ee basya en kelasa madola. (Basya doesn’t do any work... if there is no meaning or timing to it), you can be sure that there is more to come. And no wonder, invariably, Sharan’s inevitable comic magic brings more to the table. He does so with Bullet Basya too. His presence is monumental in the film and he has the gift of laughter and he uses it to his best advantage. And the audience seem to agree.
The film takes a gentle poke at the Kaveri issue comparing it to a woman (Hariprriya) whose is a namesake of the river. Sharan plays a double role as Muthu and Bullet Basya (Sharan with a moustache), bringing out both the good and the evil sides of a man. Bullet Basya is the son of Sadhu Kokila, a village head living in Singapura (a fictitious village).
Being rich, Basya initially comes across as a playboy-womaniser who turns into a romantic when he sees Kaveri. Just when, Bullet Basya feels that he can win over Kaveri, the innocent Muthu enters.
He happens to be a relative of Kaveri. Bullet becomes aware of their intimacy and also that they are engaged. He tries all kind of tricks to get rid of Muthu from Kaveri’s life and his desire is fulfilled to an extent.
Will the wealthy lad succeed in marrying Kaveri or will she remain with Muthu? Will Bullet Basya’s moral introspection change the course of his life?
Post the interval, the story acquires gravitas and solemnity.
Director Jayatheertha provides a nice twist to the expected outcome and though the film could have been preachy, he handles the story and theme with a deft touch. Bullet Basya leans heavily on the appeal of its lead actor who plays who is virtually in every shot. While the dialogues have a comical flair, the director allows each character to take center-stage and ensures some amount of emotional honesty to spill through.
Sharan makes you laugh even as he plays a negative character alongside and in perfect contrast. He remains relaxed but engaging in both his characters.Harripriya contributes with a tidy performance as a village belle and also steals the show in her glam avatar. The supporting cast of Rangayana Raghu, Girija Lokesh, Ramesh Bhat, Sadhu Kokila, Yathiraj Jaggesh, Prashanth Siddi, Giri Godhulli, Neenasam Ashwath, Muni, Thanveer, Kuri Prathap, Tabla Nani, Master Anand lends excellent support with impeccable performances.
The technical department also rises to occasion, taking the film through sylvan rustic locales which are well captured by cinematographer Sugnan. Music by Arjun Janya lasts in your mind as movie audiences enjoy dancing to peppy songs like Bullet Basya, Kaalkegi Kadlekai, Baare Kunthkale.
Bullet Basya is a thorugh entertainer (laced with innuendo). It could mark a new beginning in the making of comedy films that may seem frivolous but touch you in some way or the other.