Masti Kannada Movie
'Masti' is one more film that has a story relating to the Bangalore Underworld. The film is produced by Ramu and directed by Shivamani, better known names in the field of making action films in the Kannada film industry. Recently many films have been released and the stories of these films were linked with underworld. Only 'Duniya' was successful in getting a huge response from the audience, while all other mediocre films failed to get adequate support. Upendra starrer 'Masti' differs from all the other films based on Bangalore Underworld in its presentation. The film has more commercial elements and fictional part in the script gets more space than the realistic part of the story. But still 'Masti' sets high standards in its technical content and is certainly more entertaining. The film also a winner with regard to the performances of all the artists. It is as much a Shivamani film as it is an Upendra film, as the actor has tried to present himself in a different type of role.
Masti's main strength is the fast paced narration in the second half. The first half of the film has more space for action sequences and story takes a real turn when the flashback reveals the background of the hero. The film moves faster even in the first half, but the second half is a real winner as for as the strength of the script is concerned.
Coming to the reality part in the story, there is a semblance of connection to the story of one person named as Masti, an underworld Don of the late sixties. Except for the few sequences which connect to Masti's real life story, there are many sequences which are pure fiction. The film is shot in many locations including the temple town of Mantralaya in the first half which makes the film acquire a better look. In that way, director Shivamani has used the locations and sets to the advantage of the film.
Masti whose original name is Siddappaaji hails from Kollegal Thaluk and his brother Rachappaaji has migrated to Bangalore. Rachappaaji works as a social worker and is an envy of several politicians and rowdies. . Masti's brother gets killed in front of other family members in one of the functions in his area. An enraged Masti takes a sickle and kills one of the killers who is the brother of a corperator. He is arrested and with the help of some dons he gets released. Then he becomes a don by default. He saves a girl from being forcibly married. The girl starts loving him. Masti is in a dilemma whether to continue with his underworld activities or to respond to the love of the girl. Meanwhile, Masti's opponents are also trying to finish him off. The climax is the most interesting part of the film.
Upendra has portrayed a different type of role and he has fewer dialogues than his usual quote in films. But still without his USP of speaking lengthy dialogues, Upendra scores in the role of Masti and has been able to convey the inner feelings of the character more effectively. Jennifer plays her best role to date and proves her mettle in an emotional role. Ramesh Bhat and Umashri fit into the roles perfectly. In the villain's gang Kota Srinivasarao steals the show.
Music Director Guru Kiran who was of late been inconsistent has come out good again in the song composition. The 'Kolu Mande' song and 'Masti Re' song rendered by Shankar Mahadevan and Sukhwinder Singh respectively have the potential to become chart busters. And as usual his background score conveys the right mood of the film. Giri's cinematography work and Shashikumar's editing are top class.
'Masti' is a better offering which may be remembered for Upendra's performance and high technical values.
