'Dandam Dashagunam' thoroughly disappointing (Kannada Movie Review)

Film: 'Dandam Dashagunam'; Cast: Chiranjeevi Sarja, Ramya, Ravishankar, Thilak, Ravindra and others; Director: K. Madesh; Producer: A. Ganesh; Music Director: Hari Krishna; Camera: Manohar Dialogue writer: K.V. Raju; Rating: * 1/2

It is a tough task to do a remake of any Gautham Menon film, but it is even more difficult to remake a trendsetting film like 'Khakka Khakka'. Producer A. Ganesh and director Maadesh took a big risk when they decided to remake Menon's 2003 Tamil hit 'Khakka Khakka' as 'Dandam Dashagunam'.

After watching 'Dandam Dashagunam', it will be clear that their risk was not worth a try. What disappoints is insipid and boring narration.

'Khakka Khakka' was about an encounter specialist who braves the opposition from human rights activists to take on the hardened criminals. Besides the high voltage drama and action sequences, the film had aesthetically shot romantic track. Unfortunately, 'Dandam Dashagunam' does not concentrate on either of the important elements.

It seems that the whole effort is to make a frame to frame copy of the original. The film lacks the punch and intensity of the original and ends up as a wasted effort.

Maadesh doesn't ensure that the continuity is maintained in the film. He also failed in getting competent performances from the artists.

The main problem with the film is that it drags. To make the matter worse, a trusted composer like Hari Krishna fails to deliver interesting compositions. In several scenes, Hari's background music mars the impact of good dialogue deliveries. Even Manohar's camerawork looks ordinary when compared to the technical work in the original.

But the flaws cannot take away efforts of Chiranjeevi Sarja, who has done a competent job. Though his voice has been dubbed by actor Naveen Krishna and has marred the impact of his performance mildly, he still makes a mark.

Ravishankar, who plays sthe villain, electrifies the audience whenever he appears on the screen. Chiru should have taken care to maintain his looks.

Surya is a daring cop who is determined to weed away hardened criminals in his area. Surya and his group of sharpshooters kill many gangsters. He wins people's support, but Human Rights are against him. He comes across a teacher, Maaya, and instantly falls for her.

'Dandam Dashagunam' is a flawed film but Chiranjeevi and Ravishankar make sincere efforts to salvage the film. Ramya, who gave an outstanding performance in 'Sanju Weds Geetha', looks subdued. Tilak looks good, but all other artists do not make any impact.

Despite its flaws, 'Dandam Dashagunam' is worth one watch for Ravi Shankar and Chiranjeevi.