'9 to 12' (Kannada)
Director: Ashok Patil
Cast: Kishore, Niveditha, B C Patil, Nagathihalli Chandrasekhar, Sanketh Kashi
Ashok Patil, who had handled the megaphone for movies such as ‘Shaapa’ and ‘Joke Falls’ a few years ago, has come out with a different flick this time. Patil deserves an appreciation for selecting a suspense thriller that has the potential to keep the audience glued to their seats.
Although it is true that his current movie ‘9 to 12’ lacks richness and well established artistes, all the artistes, except BC Patil who goes overboard in a few sequences, have done justice to their respective roles.
Kishore, who is known for playing a police officer, has faithfully followed director’s instructions. With this movie, Kishore has proved that he can fit into any character, if provided with an opportunity. Niveditha alias Smitha, known for her kissing scenes in movie ‘Avva’, has acted well in ‘9 T0 12’. The movie is about Munna (Kishore), an autorickshaw driver who gets into conflict with the owner of the autorickshaw.
Munna’s mother hands him over some jewellery so that he can buy a taxi. While he and his friends are celebrating the occasion, his mother falls down and is admitted to a hospital. Doctors ask Munna to arrange for her medical expense which is Rs 3 lakh. He is left with no other option than to work for an underworld don who asks him to hand over a suitcase to an unknown person at Devanahalli railway station. The don gives him three hours to complete the task and also promises to provide him with money for his mother’s treatment.
On the way to Devahanalli, Munna encounters police, eunuchs and pregnant woman. Finally, he comes to know that underworld don is a kingpin in the child trafficking racket. The climax of the movie is worth watching. A few scenes, especially the one wherein a daughter craves to hug her father, are full of emotion.
Niranjan Babu has done an excellent job behind the camera. As far as performance of other artistes is concerned, Nagathihalli Chandrasekhar has provided good support while Sanketh Kashi has done neat job as a drunkard. The movie is worth watching if you are interested in suspense thrillers.