Prachanda Ravana Kannada Movie
Prachanda Ravana is a mythological film made by a group of software techies of Karnataka who have based the script on an old classic Kannada play of the same name. Late Kanagal Prabhakara Shashtry who remains even today as the legendary writer of Kannada films had written the play and had even directed the play which became hugely popular.
Vajramuni one of Kannada industry's top villain's had immortalized the character of Ravana in this drama which took his popularity to dizzy heights. Now, another talented actor Devaraj has played the role of Ravana in this film which has used the same literary values of the original play, but has crafted the film with some additional technical inputs and musical score.
However, the newly crafted Ravana who has come in the film medium does not match the brilliance of the original play. There are many reasons why the film is not a patch on the play. Yes, it has to be agreed that film is essentially a visual medium and needs a different type of presentation.
A play which is staged in a theatre is a different game altogether. Despite strengthening the film by using some technical ingredients, director Srinivasa Prasad has not taken care to narrate the film in a way to make to right impact. The audience do not get a feeling that they are watching a mythological film of substance. And the performances of the artists are uneven, with only a few artists making any impact.
Prasad could have taken cue from many Black and White Mythological films which ruled the Kannada film industry in the fifties and sixties. And though the musical tunes have been used from the original play, the songs will not impress you in its full lyrics value or the tunes. And though miniature sets were created and the film was shot in some palaces, the film does not carry a glossy touch.
Devaraj scores in this film with a fantastic performance. His dialogue delivery, body language and total performance is perfect. Another actor who shines in the film is Bharath Bhagavathar who plays the role of Anjaneya in the film. But Nitin who plays the role of Rama in the film has utterly failed to deliver goods. Sudharani passes muster in the role of Mandodhari, but the performance of Rajeshwari in the role of Seetha is just passable.
Technically also Prachanda Ravana does not stand out as has been claimed by the director during the pre release media conferences.
Prachanda Ravana is an average fare.
