In the common sea of creativity, when one idea floats, reaches its destination and is applauded for its ingenuity, another takes the same route, but reaches a different destination to equal applause. When such a creative pulse beats in two creative filmmakers, it is not just the idea that needs adulation but the entire team.
Jigarthanda, in its two completely fresh avatars albeit following the same route, is a classic example of what inspiration can do when followed with finesse.
A remake of the 2014 Tamil film by the same name, the audience gets a wonderfully perspicuous view of the director’s intent of making the Kannada version with certain freshness.
Jigarthanda is about a passionate filmmaker, Rahul (Raahul) who turns a gangster into a comedy actor with the help of his friend Chikka, a role played by Chikkanna.
Although director Shivaganesh and his team have made sure not to disturb the original content, which has a splendid combination of crime and comedy, what lends the film a sense of newness in the cast, especially Ravi Shankar.
This being his 50th film, the villainous character, who is known for his depth, has made sure that he does all the talking with his versatility. Ravi Shankar just hits the right notes and steals the film with his evil and hilarious portrayal of being Armuga in the black comedy.
Raahul, who got a big break with Jigarthanda, has justified his character. Another artiste who has perfectly injected the right humour is Chikkanna. Sadhu Kokila among the ensemble cast lends ace support while Samyuktha Hornad makes for a pretty picture.
Handsomely produced by Kicha Creations in association with SRV Productions, the film throws some excellent visual experience with rustic sets, costumes, lighting and good camerawork by Jaianand. Arjun Janya bringing in the western flavour to the background yet keeping the local flavour adds strength to the overall effect.
Among the tracks, Ding-Dong by Vijay Prakash and Kai Ethi Thatdha specially created for Ravishankar, and voice rendered by the actor himsel, top the charts.
Credit should go to the writer, who came up with a brilliant story of placing in hot and cold (crime and comedy) on the same table. All in all, the film brings in an entertainment quotient.
Jigarthanda is tailormade for Ravi Shankar.