Film: Nataraja Service
Director: Pavan Wadeyar
Cast: Sharan, Mayuri
Nataraja Service by Pavan Wadeyar offers a classic example of the thought, ‘When the judgment is weak, the prejudice is strong’. It is unusual that a director of his calibre could be influenced by ignorance. Nataraja Service does not hold the signature style of Pavan and neither that of the hero, Sharan. What it does is provide for sprinkles of laughter garnished amply with a slow paced narration.
The film, which welcomes its viewers with a song enacted by Ravi Shankar, introduces its hero, Nataraja, who is a small time thief. He steals only to go back to jail for he relishes the anna sambar served there. Then he meets Sahana, often called Lathe. This pretty next-door-girl is considered inauspicious by the society. Through their journey, the two are mostly engaged in conversations while getting into all types of trouble. Then, a situation arises when Sahana expresses her love for Nataraja. Will her proposal prove inauspicious to this small thief or otherwise bring us to the conclusion, which is of course a happy ending.
The story relates to middle class values and might be accepted by a larger section of the society. Pavan’s definition of Nataraja Service is meant to be ‘Walk of life’ and about an individual who considers to live life by the day. But the story does have much of an impact. And the damage is furthered by the narration which is not enough to sustain the viewer’s interest. Pavan does not try to make it up by creating any momentum. Even though he chooses to have limited characters, Pavan has not utilised all of them to the full extent.
Sharan has justified the role, but loses the humour quotient, which is what the audience expects from him. But he has grown beyond a lover boy image and we expect more entertainment from him. Of course the audience miss the side-kicks, who usually elevates the actor.
Mayuri blends well into her character and seems to have followed the director, making no mistake. Not much role has been reserved for the other supporting characters as even the villain bows down too soon.
Anoop Seelin’s music and Arul K Somasundaram cinematography are just apt for the story. Overall, this film is a one time watch for people who want to see a different shade of Sharan and a simple story created by Pavan Wadeyar.