Komal's lively performance makes 'Maryaade Raamanna' enjoyable (Kannada Movie Review)

Film: 'Maryaade Raamanna'; Cast: Komal, Nisha, Rajesh, Mukesh Rishi, Dharma and Doddanna; Director: Guru Prasad; Producer: T. Kumaresh Babu; Camera: R.Giri; Music Director: M.M. Keervani; Rating: ** 1/2

Guru Prasad's 'Maryaade Raamanna' is a frame to frame copy of director S.S. Rajamouli's last year's Telugu film 'Maryaada Raamanna'. Since the film became a big hit, the producer took the rights of the film immediately and started shooting.

The Telugu film was inspired by Hollywood's 1923 silent movie 'Hospitality'.

A few years ago, director Dinesh Baboo based his Kannada film 'Belagaalittu Olage Baa', which had S. Narayan in the hero's role, on 'Hospitality', but with several changes in the script.

But 'Maryaade Raamanna' makers have used the original Telugu film and even retained the same background score. In fact, the climax has been shot at the same outdoor spot.

All this shows creative poverty of the technical team, but 'Maryaade Raamanna' is watchable mainly because of the gripping climax and music. Even the camera work by Giri is good. Komal has delivered a lively performance, but he should watch his weight.

The low point of the film is that the first half of the film drags. In the Telugu film, the gap was filled by lead actor Sunil's terrific energy in songs and Saloni's presence.

The Rayalseema angle in the Telugu film was justified.

Raama is a salesman who travels on his old rickety cycle. He is kicked out of his job because owners want him to buy a motor vehicle for faster delivery.

After losing his job, Raama decides to return to his village and sell five acres of ancestral land. In the train, he meets Aparna who belongs to the same village. He lands up in the house of his enemies with Aparna, who is the favourite daughter of the patriarch.

The patriarch's family wants to take revenge from Raama who belongs to a family with whom they had a feud that resulted in many tragic incidents. Raama's father had killed the son of the patriarch and now the family wants revenge from Raama, the only survivor of his family.

As Raama is his guest, so the patriarch does not want to kill him in his house. He plans to kill him once he steps out. A scared Raama tries to escape, but fails in his attempt.

Meanwhile Aparna falls in love with Raama and what happens after that leads to the climax.

Komal is good in comedy, but looks a little odd in the song sequences. Mumbai girl Nisha is not expressive.

Mukesh Rishi looks menacing, while Dharma gives a competent performance. Raajesh is decent in his rol. Doddanna just shouts in her role.

Music and camera work are very good.

'Maryaade Raamanna' is an above average film.