'Manasina Maathu' is a one-time watch (Kannada movie review, Rating: **1/2)

Film: 'Manasina Maathu'; Producer: Praveen; Director: Anantha Raju; Music: Neel; Camera: M.R. Seenu; Cast: Ajay Rao, Aindrita, Sharan, Avinash, Tara, Umashri, Harish Rai; Rating: **1/2

'Manasina Maathu' is another remake by Anantha Raju who is better known to direct such adaptations. It is the remake of Tamil film 'Roja Koottam' which achieved very moderate success -- that too due to the publicity drive by its producer.

But the film is releasing after a long gap after its final shoot was held -- that too without any publicity back up.

Even the limited audience that went out to watch the movie did not know what was going on till the interval. That is mainly because the original film, which was released 10 years ago, was a bit lengthier and had sequences that looked too repetitive.

Anantha Raju should have focused on this aspect and edited the unnecessary sequences.

'Manasina Maathu' also suffers from a weak presentation.

Anantha Raju has just followed the original in presenting the scene order, but has not made any efforts to present it colourfully as was seen in the original Tamil film.

The narration resembles that of a television serial and Raju has just hurried up his work. The camera work and music does not match the prevailing standards that are seen in films featuring well-known stars.

Ajay and Aindrita make a good pair on screen and the songs are picturised well. One of the songs is the highlight of the film, but the film's negative elements are too many to sustain any interest.

The story revolves around the love at first sight theory which has been seen in films more often than not.

Ajay meets Sahana in college and instantly falls for her. She becomes a neighbour, living with her mother, who is a police inspector known for her boorish behaviour.

He does not reveal his love to Sahana. He is always day dreaming about his future when a sudden twist makes him realise that Sahana is actually in love with his dearest friend Krishna.

Sahana is not aware of Ajay's love and even seeks his help many a time.

Ajay's mother, who knows about his feelings, takes courage in revealing the truth. Sahana realises Ajay's love after Krishna changes his decision.

Ajay is really a good actor and has proved it again in 'Manasina Maathu'.

Aindrita is a revelation. The actress, who is generally known for glamorous roles, has done a good job in this film.

It is Tara in the role of the mother who steals the show in the climax sequences. Umashri is menacing.

Neel's music has some good tunes, including 'Hege Helali Nanna Manasina Mathu' and 'Naanirali Nannavalu'.

'Manasina Maathu' is a feel good film with neat performances. But its dragging moments take the film several notches down. But you can watch it once.