Mungaaru Male ...

This is a movie review ... but I haven't seen the movie ... so I shouldn't really be giving a review ... but I am ... but its wrong ... its imperative that I watch the movie first ... but I haven't ... so where's the point ... actually my little brother Bharath has watched the movie ... so he has the right to give a review ... so this is actually his review ... the words that follow are his ... so here goes ...

"Well, I should tell you this first. I am really impressed by the movie. At least once in a year I could get to see some decent stuff from the Kannada film industry".

The theme, nothing fresh: Boy loves girl who is about to get married. Of course, boy doesn't know that. One thing that you like about this film is that the hero is totally open minded, he tells the heroine that he loves her right at the beginning (quiet different). She happens to be the daughter of his mother's best hubby. His mom takes him to their house for her marriage, but our hero doesn't know that. You might guess what could go on next, as usual.

The story is not that extra-ordinary, but Ganesh was superb. Actually, I expected the least from him. He suited the role wonderfully well - a talkative young man, always smiling, and making friends with whom he likes. The heroine is ok, partly b'coz most of the screen is covered by Ganesh. Anant Nag, Padmaja Rao (of Preethi Illada Mele fame, Raagini) were also good.

But the thing that catches you the most is the background score and the cinematography. There are some scenes shot in Jog - the most brilliant part of the film. You would be at the edge of yours seats - literally. Probably no one had dared to shoot there. They were at the brink of the biggest waterfall in India. Even a slight slip (it was raining too) could have meant a certain death. Kudos to the director and to the lead actors.

You enjoy the movie entire length as there is not a dull moment. Songs after the interval are good. Dialogues are good too.

The Western Ghats look just great. The film is said to be shot in real rain (for a change). Poor Ganesh might have run a high fever after the shooting. But the ending was quite disappointing. I won't tell you the ending as I want you to watch the movie. Its worth the money you spend on the tickets. I hope I have given a boost to the movie. Don't blame me after you see it, and not felt what I felt. Overall, its good.

Bharath's ratings: * * * *

Well ... there you go ... the movie seems to be good ... what sounds great is that there are 2 good Kannada movies worth watching - this one and 'Kallarali Hoovagi', whereas more and more of Hindi movies are finding themselves in the dustbin ... now this is something to be happy about !!