If its screenplay and script are anything to go by, it seems director Vijayalakshmi
Singh's skills in handling the megaphone have improved. Vijayalakshmi debuted as a director with the film 'Ee Bandhana' in which Vishnuvardhan and Jayapradha were the lead pair. 'Male Barali Manju Irali' is Vijayalakshmi's second film as a director.
She handled her assignment with aplomb. However, had she taken care to make the screenplay a little crisp, the film would have been the best among those released this year.
Incidentally, 'Male Barali Manju Irali', is also a second film for Parvathy, the
heroine. She was one of the heroines in the film 'Milana' in which Puneet Rajkumar and Pooja Gandhi played the key roles. Parvathy's acting skills are impressive in this film.
Though there are two heroes, Kitty and Nagakiran, and the former walks away with the honours. His dialogue delivery and gestures are appreciable. Not that Nagakran's performance is not up to the mark -- it is far better than his earlier films like 'Maru Janma' and others. All he needs is a little improvement.
The story is about Sneha (Parvathy), an MBA student. She meets Prem (Nagakiran), a cinematographer who works for an ad agency in Bangalore. He longs for her but can't express it. Eventually, she comes to know that he is her landlord's second son.
Meanwhile, she returns to Coorg to meet her father Sivappa (Jai Jagadeesh) after 14 years. Shivappa works as a writer at a coffee estate owned by Prem's father (Mukhyamantri Chandru). On the way, circumstances compel her to avail Viswas'
(Kitty's) help to reach her home. She also comes to know that Viswas is Prem's elder brother. She falls in love with Viswas and even requests Prem to convince his brother to be with her. When Viswas wants to propose to her, his friend Nayana (Haripriya) comes in his way. Viswas' mother insists that he marry Nayana and asks Sneha to leave the place. To climax is about whether Viswas and Sneha can be together.
Sharan's tryst to convince Sadhu Kokila is a treat to watch. Cinematographer Ajay Vincent has done a neat job behind the camera. There are a number of beautiful sceneries that provide a visual treat. It is a film to be enjoyed by the whole family since it has no double entendres or obscene scenes.
Director Vijayalakshmi Singh's "Male Barali Manju Irali" is a feel good love story, which is told in a classic style. Singh has returned to basics to make the film that has a neat narration and top class performances. It is also technically sound.
The film doesn't have too much space for special effects, graphics and glitzy visuals. It's a simple story, but makes an impact. This is Singh's second directorial venture and she shows her class by making a stylish film that will appeal to young audiences and women too.
The director has presented the main protagonist Sneha well in both style and substance. She represents today's much awakened modern woman who is confident, mature, transparent and doesn't hesitate in speaking her mind. Other characters look like prototypes, but Singh has taken care to make the proceedings as natural as possible.
Despite having a simple love triangle, "Male Barali Manju Irali" will strike the chord with the viewers as it has high degree of emotional intensity, not seen in the Kannada films recently.
That is precisely because of charged performances by leading artists Parvathy, Kitty and Jai Jagadish. And Singh gets ample support from top class technicians that include cameraman Ajay Vincent, dialogue writer B.A. Madhu and composer Mano Murthy, whose background stands out in the film.
The films is about a well-educated young girl Sneha who comes to her village to spent time with her father Shivappa who works for a rich estate owner. Sneha's childhood memories are rekindled when she sees the two sons of the estate owner.
She takes a liking to Vishwas, elder of the two who is an introvert but with a heart of gold. While the younger brother falls in love with her. Since Sneha has been closer to Prem as a child, she seeks his help to strengthen her relationship with Vishwas. And then starts the drama.
Malayalam actress Parvathy gives a brilliant performance. She is extremely natural in her role. Her body language, dialogue delivery sinks suits the modern girl that she plays. She is terrific in the climax where she doesn't speak even a word, but shows a range of emotions.
Kitty comes off very good in the climax sequence as well. This is veteran actor Jai Jagadish's best role so far. All the other artists have given satisfactory performances.
Ajay Vincent's camera work captures the beauty of the locations as much as the mood of the sequences. The title song and "Ondhu Sala" are well shot.
Over all "Male Barali Manju Irali" is an enjoyable fare, which could be appreciated for its narrative, direction and high voltage performances.
Film: Male Barali Manju Irali (Kannada)
Cast: Kitty, Parvathy, Nagakiran, Haripriya, Jai Jagadeesh, Mukhyamanthri Chandru, Sharan, Sadhu Kokila, Hema Chaudhary
Director: Vijayalakshmi Singh
maheswarareddy@epmltd.com