Happy Birthday movie review: Shenoy shines, as Sachin scores an average on debut

Director: Mahesh Sukhadhare

Cast: Sachin, Samskruthi Shenoy, Achyuth Kumar, Ravi Kale, Chikkanna, Bullet Prakash.

There is one common thing in 'Happy Birthday' by director Mahesh Sukhadhare, launching former minister N Cheluvarayaswamy's son Sachin as hero. Its Mandya or precisely the place called Nagamangala from where the politician is elected as MLA. Though on the outset, the movie is all about a commercial venture with a love story driven by emotions, sacrifices, stick fight and five stunt choreographers working in it, the actual peg of the venture is to showcase the nativity and highlight more about the life style, language, customs and a lot capturing the town throughout using drone cameras!

So how does 'this' Sachin score on his debut. Well, he badly needs a lot of 'act' practice before even thinking about his second innings. It is the director's sensible making which saves the day from ending up being the worst birthday for him. In fact, it is the female lead Samskruthi Shenoy who comes out as a clear winner on her first outing in sandalwood with pretty good expressions which makes the audience follow her throughout eventually falling in love with her acting skills. If she could mange to fine tune her performance then she is here to stay for a long time.

Wondering what is the strange connection with the title 'Happy Birthday'. The director takes no time in revealing it, as in Mandya, according to him and through his characters, Happy Birthday is something referred to as death in a light manner. It is kind of 'f' and 's' word which we get to hear a lot with beep sound in English movies. But the director is little too much obsessed with the the word 'Happy Birthday' which soon starts irritating the audience.

Despite a few negatives, there is something to cheer about the decent script work and the story being simple, Mahesh Sukhadhare builds a love story which is about a normal guy in Nagamangala who is living under the care of his elder brother. With no educational qualification, our hero lives on trying various jobs and life moves on for him until he finds his love. A couple of soothing songs, which Harikrishna has this time really worked hard, is soothing to hear.

As the love angle continues with fight sequences in between, in which Sachin does seem to have put his hundred per cent, there comes the twist with girl's father diagnosed with deadly disease. He has got only few weeks before his 'Happy Birthday'. Achyuth Kumar is at his natural best. The hero who was to attend a job interview set up by his love after pledging her gold and emptying her bank account is deeply saddened as the hero doesn't even turn for it.

There is a villain too, and a decisive stick fight in the climax which marks the guest appearance of Rebel Star Ambareesh as himself. Mahesh has done his best, watch it for the native touch and certainly for Samskruthi Shenoy. Happiness guaranteed but conditions apply!