My review: Simpleaag Ond Love Story
Written and directed by debutant Suni, "Simpleaag Ond Love Story" (SOLS) is as fresh as pre-monsoon rain or i should say brings back dejavu of 2006 when a movie with largely unknown cast and crew came as a whiff of fresh air and broke all the existing records in Kannada, "Mungaru Male". SOLS also has relatively unknown cast and crew with the freshness and brilliance in the storyline, screenplay, dialogues, making and acting better than "Mungaru Male" if one takes it as the benchmark of romantic comedies in Kannada.
Debutant Suni has worked wonders with an interesting concept of three love stories packaged into the main plot which is "not that simple" a love story with an exciting twist in the end. He seems to have a strong grasp of the current generation, their lifestyle and their way of romancing.It shows on screen in the making and the dialogues Though there is ample scope for melodrama and theatrics he has stayed clear of the same handling the numerous such situations with maturity at the same time not getting overboard.
Most striking aspect of the movie is the sparkling dialogues. Down to earth, mostly in the lingo of the youth with ample doses of references to things that interest them like cricket, movies, social networking,etc, keeps the movie at a lighter plane throughout. Even in those situations which tend to get serious and mushy dialogues spruce up the proceedings in a lively manner which brings cheers. Dialogues in this movie is sure to be emulated in many movies of similar themes to follow. Suni thus has become a trendsetter in that respect.
Suni has presented two love stories within the main plot which is also a love story. As a result we end up watching three loves stories, each different in tone, pace and making set against the backdrop of summer, winter and rainy seasons respectively, all the three entertaining all the same. The love story narrated by the male protagonist is the most entertaining of the three though the main plot is the most interesting, riveting and emotionally stirring. The intelligence of the writer Suni comes to the forefront when he seamlessly blend these stories into one with each of these contributing to the main plot. Nothing is contrived or forced into the narrative which makes the task of the writer Suni laudable.
Though towards the end there is some flashes of inspiration from the "Fifty First Dates" with the references to anterograde amnesia most of the content is original and fresh. It is an astounding effort from a debutant who seems to have good knowledge of writing, both screenplay and dialogues. It would sure propel his career way forward than what he could have envisaged at the outset.
It is the lead pair Rakshit Shetty and Shwetha Srivatsav who carry the whole movie on their shoulders. They are there in almost all the frames and will be long remembered for their performances. Rakshit is natural, he adopts to various moods like a chameleon effortlessly. Whether it is a happy-go-lucky careless youth, a mature and purposeful sculptor or the main protagonist who is smitten by the mysterious girl whom he encounters, Rakshit is first rate.
It has been a long time since one has seen such an expressive actress as a leading lady in south Indian cinema. Shwetha Srivatsav is brilliant in her portrayal of the female protagonist. Seamless variations in her expressions and myriad of emotions that she brings on the screen in more than praiseworthy. Her pronunciation of the Kannada dialogues are a delight. Kannada cinema will get enriched with such a talented actress who is also pleasant on the eyes.
Though not much scope for the supporting cast, the minors characters are all well written and well performed.
B.J.Bharath's background score adds definite value to the proceedings. It elevates the mood of many scenes and enhances the impact. "Baanali badalago" and "Karagida baaninalli" are two good melodies that are instant earworms.
Manohar Joshi is the cinematographer. Many frames are awesomely conceived and shot with the nature's splendor in the beaches of Udipi like Kapu and Malpe and the rainy terrains of Coorg aiding him handsomely. It is a visual poetry onscreen like what Krishna was able to write on celluloid with "Mungaru Male".
SOLS is one of those movies which gets almost most of the parts right with very few glitches. Forgive me for time and again comparing it with the trendsetting landmark movie in Kannada "Mungaru Male", but SOLS will fast join its league. It is a must watch. Rush to the theaters near you to greet and enjoy the best movie of the year in Kannada.
Take a bow Suni, Manohar Joshi, Bharath, Rakshit and Shwetha, your hardwork and effort would sure get recognized in a big way this year.
Bottomline: Blockbuster written all over it.
4/5
