'Aa Dinagalu' recreates 80s underworld of Bangalore (Kannada Review)

Film: 'Aa Dinagalu'; Cast: Chetan, Archana, Atul Kulkarni, Ashis Vidyarthi, Sharath Lohitashva, Girish Karnad; Director: Chaitanya; Music Director: Ilayaraja; Producers: Syed Aman and M.S. Ravindra

Director Chaitanya's 'Aa Dinagalu' is based on real life incidents in 1986. It has been adapted from the book 'Dadagiriya Dinagalu' by Sridhar, who wrote about his role in the then underworld of Bangalore controlled by Kotwal Ramachandra and Jayaraj.

Sridhar, who has also written the screenplay, adapts a part of the book, which is about a young man whose love for a girl interferes with the functioning of the underworld.

'Aa Dinagalu' does not glorify the personalities involved and Sridhar has written the screenplay as an observer and objective analyst without any traces of emotion and exaggeration.

Well-known literary personality and actor Girish Karnad assists Chaitanya; both have worked together in many movies and tele-serials directed by Karnad.

The authentic locations of the film are supported by powerful and convincing performances by the actors. While new faces Chetan and Archana add freshness, experienced Bollywood actors Atul Kulkarni and Ashish Vidyarthi live up to the audiences' expectations.

Ashish plays the role of Jayaraj. Sharath Lohithashwa, who plays Kothwal Ramachandra's role, is menacing and cool at the same time. It can be termed his best performance to date. Award-winning actor Atul Kulkarni plays the role of Sridhar.

The film's music by veteran composer Ilayaraja is one of the best heard in Kannada films in recent times.

'Aa Dinagalu' is a must-see film for lovers of authentic cinema.