Huliraya by Aravind Kaushik is another experimental attempt from him, whose earlier movies were Nam Areaalli Ondhu Dina and Tughlak. The screenplay writer, dubbing artist and lyricist Arvind has successfully crafted a mediocre abstract that revolves around youngsters from villages coming to the city, and being victimised. The director also wants to send out the message that making money is good, but one must also take time out and look at things money cannot buy.
The story is told through the protagonist, Suresh (Balu Nagendra), who is affectionately called Huliraya and lives in the woods. A turning point in life is when he has to move to the city to earn money and take care of his parents. He also needs to earn money to marry his childhood crush, Malli, the forest guard’s daughter.
He reaches out to a broker who lands him a job in Bengaluru, and soon he returns home with `3 crore. How he made the money in such a short span of time and if it will help him keep his parents happy and marry his childhood love are two central threads in the movie. The story also dwells on how he copes with a new atmosphere in the city, and his dilemma whether to stay on in the city or return.The film vaguely reminds us of the short-lived life of Rajesh aka Jungle Jackie, who became famous on celluloid after coming from a tribal hamlet.
Aravind Kaushik’s effort is to be appreciated but telling the story from one point of view more or less becomes monotonous, and the lead actor takes most of the screen space. Highlight of the film is the background score and picturisation; the green belt makes for an excellent backdrop.
Newcomer Balu Nagendra has done justice to his role. The rest of the actors, including the movies’ two heroines, have little role to play.The movie has been pitched as an entertainer, but we leave the audience to decide. We believe that this movie would do well at festival circuits.