‘Kalgejje’ lacks newness in script (Kannada Movie Review)

Film: Kalgejje; Cast: Vishwas, Roopika, Rangayana Raghu, Anant Nag, Pavitra Lokesh, Sumithra and others; Director: Bangaru; Producer: Nagabhushan; Music Director: Gandharva; Camera: A.C. Mahendar; Ratings: * 1/2

Debutant writer-director Bangaru’s “Kalgejje” is a musical love story that has a predictable and pedestrian narration. It seems Bangaru is unaware of the new techniques and followed a narrative which is old-fashioned and irrelevant.

Bangaru, an assistant to S. Mahendar who is known for directing sentimental flicks, has exposed his confused mind by making this film. Looks like Bangaru did not have any definite idea about the message he wants to convey through the movie.

At one point, the story favours parents and then goes to another extreme when the director takes a pot shot at the parents.

One major draw back of the film is that it moves at snail’s pace often testing the patience of the audience. The entire first half is tedious and it may force the audience to look at the exit door.

But in the second half, “Bangaru” does not disappoint. The twist and turns in the story manage to engage the audience. The narration is impressive in a couple of sequences.

Coming to the comedy sequence, it has to be said that they are not in good taste and some of the so-called humour is cheap.

Bangaru has also failed to give proper characterisation to the artists who behave in an inconsistent manner on screen. And even some of the behaviour attributed to some artists have no logic. The heroine’s mother’s character is a case in point.

The story relates to a love affair between young dancer Arati, brought up by her upper middle-class parents, and musician Gowri Shankar, raised by his poor mother.

Arati loves Gowri’s musical talent as much as Gowri’s likes Arati’s dance.

But Arati’s mother has some other plans for her daugther - she is a great fan of top director Puttanna Kanagal and wants Aarti to be an actress. Arati is forced to join film industry and move to the city, while Gowri leaves the village to find his feet in showbiz.

Gowri makes it big in the film industry after facing lot of humiliation. When Arati meets Gowri again, she expresses her desire to marry him.

Young actress Roopika proves that she has the talent that can not be ignored. She shows right emotions and is a good dancer as well.

Vishwas has done his best in the role of Gowri Shankar, but was not so good in emotional scenes. Veteran Artists Anant Nag and Sumithra make a good impact.

Rangayana Raghu carries off his role with a degree of comfort. Pavithra Lokesh’s role suffers because of an inconsistent characterisation.

“Kalgejje” could have been a better film, but weak characterisation and script mar its quality.