Navagraha Kannada Movie
In these days when soft love stories and gangster films have become a norm in the Kannada film industry, a thriller like Navagraha is most welcome. A well made Suspense thriller is always savoured by the Kannada audience as could be seen from the huge success of films like Rangamahal Rahasya, Aparichitha and Shsh.
Even a film like Psycho which was released a weak earlier has opened very well. However Navagraha which is director Dinakar Toogudeepa's second venture Navagraha is a mixed fare with some thrilling seat edge moments and a very disappointing narration of many important sequences.
In his second film Dinakar has moved away from the influence of his hugely successful first film and has taken a subject which is challenging and innovative. Even in Navagraha his concept of selecting the seven sons of seven former Villains of the Kannada industry to play lead roles in the film is to be appreciated. Incidentally, Dinakar's elder brother Darshan who is one of the leading stars of the Kannada industry has played the villain's role for the first time in the film. Darshan has taken a big risk in trying to act in a villain's role when his career is on a high. Even Darshan needs to be appreciated for showing the courage to try out and experiment in his acting career.
However, Navagraha does not stand above the average levels because of a very bad script and weak narration. Despite some catchy dialogues from Chinthan, the narration goes for a toss many a times.
Navagraha has some strong points though. The performances from new artists like Giri (Villain and comedian's son Dinesh) is immensely likeable. And Harikrishna's two song compositions are sure to enthrall the audience. And the climax fight sequence and the build ups before keep you in the edge of the seat. But these finer points of the film are marred by the lengthy and yawning first half .
Jaggu is a petty criminal who indulges in dacoity and major thefts. He gets a deal from a big time don for stealing the Howdah used for the Dussera procession in Mysore. Jaggu gets support of his sister and her lover. And four other accomplices of Jaggu join the gang. Jaggu also takes support of his lover who ensnares the son of security guard to help the gang. These nine people execute a finely designed plan to steal the Howdah. Meanwhile the Chief security officer comes to know of the theft of Howdah and starts investigating. Finally it would be a tragic end to the criminal conspiracy hatched by a set of nine young criminals.
Darshan as usual is competent in his role. May be his ardent fans may be little uncomfortable to accept him in a villain's role. Among others it is Giri and Vinod Prabhakar to a little extent look bright and innovative. Sharmila Mandre impresses in her brief role.
Krishna Kumar's camera work is good, but it is Harikrishna's two catchy songs that may please the fans.
Navagraha is a mixed fare with some fine points and many weak points.
