Kamannana Makkalu Kannada Movie
Kaamannana Makkalu directed by Actor Gurudatt is the remake of the Malayalam hit Thommanum Makkalum which was nothing but a commercial potboiler. The film did not have any trade mark Mammootty histrionics, but was successful because of some comedy elements. Kannada producers have not been lucky in remaking the Malayalam hits. Barring a few exceptions like Aaptha Mithra which was based on Malayalam Hit Manichitrathazhu, many Kannada remake versions of Malayalam hit films have failed. Films like Punjabi House, Kodanda Rama, Jodi which were remakes of Malayalam super hits had failed in the Box office. Even the presence of established stars like Ravichandran and Shivaraj Kumar could not save Kodanda Rama, the remake of the blockbuster Malayalam film Thenkasi Patnam.
Malayalam films have their own distinct identity and have many native elements which are peculiar to the ethos and culture of Malayalees. The story of many super hit Malayalam films may not strike a chord with Kannada audience, because of the vast difference in the life styles and attitudes of the people. Another danger is that during these days of multiple channels and DVD's, it is not difficult to see good films by just sitting in a room. Therefore remaking successful non Kannada films is not as profitable as it was earlier.
The biggest minus point of Kaamannana Makkalu is that it lacks freshness and looks like old wine in an old bottle. The original film's story content does not relate to the nativity of Karnataka or sink well with the culture of the people. And the fact is that the Kannada film audience has seen many films with similar story lines before.
Thommanum Makkalum follows a beaten track narration. Gurudatt has just followed the narrative part and has not cared to improvise or change the script to suit the taste of the Karnataka audience. The failure of Tamil film Mazaa with Super Star Vikram in the lead should have added a sense of caution to Gurudatt who had directed two original films earlier. It should also be remembered that Mazaa directed by Shafi was released just after the release of a blockbuster film like Anniyan which was Vikram's biggest hit. And Gurudatt has clearly shown his lack of originality by using the tunes of Vidyasagar in Mazaa for the film. Kaamannana Makkalu falls flat despite neat performances from Sudeep and Rockline Venkatesh.
The story revolves around three thieves Kaamanna and his two adopted sons-Krishna and Rama. All of them decide to reform and prepare for a new lease of life. Accidentally they are made to stay in a village where the people are terrorized by the goons of the village head. Rama and Krishna drive out the goons who attack the house of Shivaramaiah, a poor man in the village. Krishna falls for the daughter of Shivaramaiah. Later circumstances lead to Rama tying the nuptial knot to Village head's daughter. Finally Rama and Krishna are united with their lady loves after both of them expose the villains.
Sudeep impresses with his lively dialogue delivery and neat performance. But it is Rockline Venkatesh who rocks in the film with his confused looks and dialogues. Doddanna and Sadhu Kokila's comedy portions are just passable. Gurudatt has not selected apt artists for many roles including the Village head's role.
Musically the film has just copied the tunes as in Mazaa. Only Chi Chi song that is shot in Dubai has a catchy tune. Venkat's camera work shines in the climax sequence.
