Film: Bangara s/o of Bangarada Manushya
Director: Yogi G Raj
Cast: Shivarajkumar, Vidya Pradeep, Chikanna
Rating: 3.5/5
There seems to be good reason for bringing back the matinee idol Dr Rajkumar to the silver screen yet again. The legend, who is identified as a common man, has always managed to win people’s affection. While the recently released Raajakumara reminisces about the simple principles followed by the legend, there is more to Bangara S/o of Bangarada Manushya than what meets the eye.
Rajkumar’s presence is felt through out the length of the movie, but it does not diminish his son Shivarajkumar’s character. The former is placed in the role a father, sans his physical presence. Bangara... directed by Yogi G Raj is a commercial film, which has heroism, romance and action. But, its the film’s story that keeps everyone glued to their seats because it explores a bigger picture which will please Shivarajkumar’s fans and a cross-section of audiences.
Shivaraj (Shivarajkumar) lives in abroad as a successful businessman. His company hires only Indians. Shivaraj is practical and does not worry about tomorrow, he dislikes people who follow traditions and his employees do not appreciate this. A diary given by his uncle (Srinivas Murthy) changes his view on life and he immediately takes a flight to India and lands in Rampura. Here he becomes the voice of the villagers and makes heads of the state aware of the farmer’s plight. Will Shivaraj succeed in changing the political system and improve the life of farmers in Rampura is what leads to the well-crafted climax with a twist.
Meanwhile, Naina (Vidya Pradeep) working under Shivaraj is head over heels in love with him and he too seems to feel the same way. But he never expresses this till the end. To know why, one should watch the movie.
Yogi G Raj has a good understanding of Shivarajkumar’s appeal with the masses. And he has intelligently used this to the story’s advantage, by portraying his character as a messiah. Yogi should be given a round of applause for the way he has handled a sensitive subject about farmers’ welfare, in a story that is relevant to the entire state.
He takes cinematic liberties, which is what makes the movie appealing. The strength of the film lies in its second half, and the transformation of Shivaraj’s character is convincingly done and ends with a rare climax for a Shivarajkumar film. Here we must take a moment to mention producer Jayanna, for whom this film is special because he himself is an agriculturist and a farmer’s son.
For Shivarajkumar, this film is not a routine fare and he has done his role well. The actor as son Bangarada Manushya carries the film on his shoulders with a powerful performance that strikes a chord with the masses. His effective portrayal may have people seeing him as a demigod. Bangara.. also shows Shivarajkumar’s versatility in acting, and proves him to be a director’s actor.
Along with him is Chikkanna, who has a natural flair for comedy, and with whom Shivarajkumar shares a good chemistry. Vidya Pradeep doesn’t stay a glam doll instead proves her talent in acting when called for. Supporting cast including Vishal and senior actors such as Shivaram, Srinivas Murthy and Sharath Lohitashwa give a memorable performance as well. But the highlight of Bangara.. is Bangarada Manushya, Rajkumar as an agriculturist.
V Harikrishna’s music and cinematography by Jai Anand goes well with the story. The director manages to weave a heart-warming story, which suits Shivarajkumar’s image, even while keeping his father’s legend in mind. Bangara... connects well with Bangarada Manushya and conveys a harsh truth ably.