‘Liftu Kodla’ (Kannada, Inspiration, 2010)
Director: Ashok Kashyap
Cast: Jaggesh, Archana Gupta, Raju Talikote, Shashikumar and others
It is a remake of the Telugu film ‘Mee Shreyobhilaashi’.
Director Ashok Kashyap has faithfully followed the original version. Had this film released a few years earlier, some of the people who had committed suicide might have changed their minds. The movie sends a message to all those who want to take extreme steps instead of facing up to the problems they encounter - from senior citizens to failed students, disappointed lovers to bankrupt financiers.
There are many sequences that have the potential to motivate and encourage people in society. The song sequence – ‘Suriyuvaa maleyali’ – in which a physically-challenged person takes part is well picturised.
Jaggesh has acted well. His dialogue delivery and mannerism deserve appreciation. Archana Gupta, looks glamorous, though she makes only a brief appearance. Komal has also done his job well. Besides, for the first time, Sadhu Kokila manages to say a few Kannada dialogues without confusion. Bullet Parakash provides a good support to the rest of the cast.
However, Raju Talikote has overacted throughout the film and Shashikumar's performance is also not up to the mark.
The movie is about Krishna (Jaggesh) who becomes a leader of people who want to commit suicide. He arranges a trip to Kodachadri for them in a bus where they want to commit suicide en masse. Bogananda Swamy (Sadhu Kokila), who meets them on the way, learns of their plan. He chides them for taking such a decision. Finally, the busload of people decide not to go ahead with their plan. The film, which ends with Jaggesh's message to society, is worth watching by all.