BANGALORE: With due apologies to first-time director Chindodi Madhukesh and his cast, Eshtu Nagti Nagu is Anant Nag’s film all the way, without whom the film would have had an identity crisis. The clincher is that it is not a role tailored to suit Nag. It is the other way round — Nag has moulded his emoting ability to ally with the character, and it this trait that has accounted for his versatility over the decades.
Eshtu Nagti Nagu also sports a new hero, Chindodi Vijaykumar, and a maiden producer, Chindodi Srikantesh, the family being frontrunners of the 80-yearold KBR company theatre troupe, a familiar name in North Karnataka. The change from stage to big screen appears to have overwhelmed Madhukesh. Or is it a case of overconfidence? For he is unable to grasp the basics of the idiom, and fritters away an opportunity for what could have been a decent comedy, which has to its credit an original story, and some unthinkable mix-ups, which in itself could have made for a different theme.
Age sits lightly on Anant Nag, and he is still an ace.
He brings a wholesome appeal to his role, which is that of an absent-minded professor and a loving elder brother, who provides the warmth of a home to his two younger siblings, despite his bachelorhood, which single status is another sacrifice for the sake of his brothers. Mohan is the other actor who has etched his role with competence.
Vijaykumar shows that he can emote, but needs to hone his skills. The characterisation of Roshni and Sana, the female leads, and Bank Janardhan, are loud, and veteran Dwarakish finds himself on similar turf. Sudha Rani in a prominent role, suffers from an irritating nervous disorder — all of which leads one back to the director.
Anant Nag, who dotes on his brothers, one of whom is hard of hearing, and the other myopic, wants them to marry and settle down.
When he finds them brides, there is a terrible mix-up in the pairing, leading to bedlam and heartache.
The ensuing comedy falls flat, but gains a philosophic thrust, courtesy the incredible Nag. Music by MS Maruthi and Hamsalekha can be listened to.