Jogayya is hat-trick hero Shivarajkumar’s 100th movie and the first Kannada movie to be released in so many theatres across the state. It may not be an exaggeration to say that Shivarajkumar had made a sincere effort to meet his fans’ expectations.
However, director Prem, who handled the megaphone for Jogi, played the spoilsport by not focusing on the script and failing to ensure a crisp screenplay.
The problem with Jogayya is that it fails to take off as per expectations of Shivarajkumar’s fans.
For example, in a particular scene, the hero is shown busy with aghora dance but the next minute we see him as an ordinary and humble servant working in a cattle shed. There is no connection between the two scenes.
The other disadvantage is the heroine Sumit Kaur Aitwal. She is glamorous and flexible but has no dancing skills to match the rhythm of Hari Krishna’s music. She just walks in song sequences where she is expected to flaunt all her dancing skills. It is advisable for her to watch Jogi to know the dancing skills of Jennifer Kotwal in that film. Jennifer’s dance was an added value for the film.
As far as Shivarajkumar’s performance is concerned, he is at his best. In a scene, where he picks up a chappal and touches his chest with it, repenting for being branded as an underworld don, is one of the best scenes of Jogayya which conveys a message to those who are attracted towards underworld activities.
The movie is about Mahadeva (Shivarajkumar) who works in a cattle shed for survival. Inspired by Mahadeva’s humbleness and sincerity, Vidya (Sumith Kaur Aitwal), the daughter of cattle shed owner, likes him. Meanwhile, Vidya’s marriage is arranged with an affluent person (Ravi Shankar). At this juncture, we are told that Mahadeva is Jogi alias Jogayya.
Police arrest Jogi and produce him in the court. The public prosecutor tries his best to prove him a criminal but a young advocate (Pooja Gandhi) proves him innocent.
After being released, circumstances compel Jogi to eliminate anti-social elements.
Finally, he decides to bid goodbye to city life and opts to lead a peaceful life in his native village.
Had the director avoided a few scenes that focus on contemporary politics and political leaders, the film would have been a better one. Hari’s music is good.
The movie is worth watching for those who are curious to see Shivarajkumar in a variety of costumes.