Film: Raaga
Cast: Mitra, Bhama
Director: Pc Shekar
Rating: 2.5/5
Raaga could just have been an average emotional classic had the director, PC Shekar, not let himself sway away in the dark world of love that he was weaving. Instead, if he had tried to amply sprinkle the love story between two visually challenged with intelligence, he could have gained much attention. Bringing out the hurdles of a rich blind girl in love with a poor blind man might have won accolades, but Shekar preferred to engage in theatrical play, which leaves much to be desired.
This character-driven drama, infused with some scenic visual backdrop, explores the life of Mitra (Mitra), a middle-aged visually impaired man, running a telephone booth in a hospital. He stumbles upon Anu (Bhama), who is also blind. Although a daughter of a rich businessman, she attempts suicide, but Mitra saves her and the feeling of love subtly awakens. Anu’s father, who relentlessly tries to get her vision back, finally succeeds, but Anu puts a condition that the first person she would want to see is Mitra. What’s the reaction of Anu when she sees Mitra is one part of the story, while the other part explores her sacrifices to win Mitra’s heart, leading to a tragic ending.
A good plot weakened by repetitive narration, Shekar’s philosophical touch leaves people depressed than excited. The strong story, high on emotional quotient, could have got a better twist only if he had given joy a small role towards the climax.
With limited actors, the film has Mitra and Bhama filling the entire length of the film, although both have played their part well.
Mitra, being a comedian, comes up with a class act, but special mention should be made of Bhama, who remains true to her innocent character. Avinash, Ramesh Bhat and Jai Jagadish lend credible support with a miss-and-blink comedy act by Kadipudi Chandru.
True to being a musical, Arjun Janya’s melodies are exemplary, while cinematographer Vaidi sticks to the norm that is prevalent these days.
Raaga comes with a message, but if you think can see it, watch it.