'Naanu Nanna Kanasu' leaves a smile on your face (Kannada Film Review)

Film: 'Naanu Nanna Kanasu'; Director: Prakash Raj; Cast: Prakash Raj, Amoolya, Rajesh, Veena Sundar, Neenasam Achyutha and Sihi Kahi Chandru; Music: Hamsalekha; Rating: ***1/2

Actor Prakash Raj's debut directorial venture 'Naanu Nanna Kanasu' is a movie that makes you smile and relive its touching moments many a times. You willsurely leave the theatre carrying back a lot of emotions, apart from the smile on your face.

By remaking his own Tamil film 'Abhiyum Naanum' directed by Radha Mohan, actor-turned- director Prakash Raj has shown tremendous commitment in doing a movie that does not fall into the category of commercial potboilers. His attempt is sincere and genuine.

The film's story has a fresh concept and it has a taut screenplay, which has been well capitalised by Prakash. He has made some changes to the original screenplay but the film still is extremely vibrant and reach out to vieweres of all ages.

There is a certain positive energy that flows right through this out-of-the-box film.

The movie is certainly a celebration of good values and good vibes between people known and unknown to each other. The narrative has lot of space for humour, touching sequences and some well picturised songs.

Prakash's dialogues also make a good impact to stir the conscience of the audience.

The actor-director plays the role of Uththappa, a coffee planter in Kodagu, who is very much attached to his daughter Amoolya. 'Naanu Nanna Kanasu' documents the journey of a daughter and her father in different stages of her growth.

Finally, Uththappa is embarrassed when Amoolya tells him that she is in love with a good-hearted Sikh. But slowly he comes to terms with the reality and recognises his son-in-law's noble intentions.

Prakash and Amoolya, who play the roles of a loving father and adorable daughter, are perfectly matched and complement each other with finely-tuned performances. Their chemistry works well on screen.

All the other artists like Achyutha, Rajesh, Veena Sundar and Ramesh Arvind, in a special role, have delivered strong performances.

Hamsalekha's music is one of the strong points of the film as much as the superb cinematography by young technician Anant Urs. 'Ondhu Maamara' and the title song are melodious and are sure to top the charts in days to come.

'Naanu Nanna Kanasu' is one film that you should not miss. Though it is a remake, the film is well made and showcases the sincerity of the makers.