Director: Jayatheertha
Cast: Rishab Shetty, Hariprriya, Achyuth Kumar, Pramod Shetty, Prakash Thuminad
It is always the past which haunts us more than what the future holds for us. Take a ride back, to one such time in this suspense thriller wherein men wore trousers with bell bottom shapes, long collars and flaunted sideburns with hairdos which looks like waves. On the other hand the pretty ladies loved bright costumes and makeup with unique accessories. Bell Bottom has it all including a carrot eating detective who is up against a mysterious case with hardly any clues.
What strikes the most is the maker’s effort to showcase the 80s on the screen with honesty and clarity. However, there is a main loophole. Director turned actor Rishab Shetty, who makes his debut as a full-fledged hero plays the intelligent and yet an amusing detective’s role, fails to evoke the much needed humour. His attempts are limited to forging the skills of another actor who has mastered the timing when it comes to on-screen comedy.
That apart, it is a simple script with a smooth narration depicting the plot with a handful of characters. Divakar, a police constable on probation, makes an impression by solving a murder case in quick time. But his ambition has always been to become a great private detective.
He soon encounters a series of mysterious thefts reported from neighbouring police stations! His wish to become a detective finally comes true when the station in charge gives him the liberty to solve the case to save them from getting punished for their negligent act.
With several suspects in the case — including a love interest— gives the tale some interesting twists. Though Divakar’s role has similarities to Inspector Jacques Clouseau, but it is limited only to the appearance.
It is Hariprriya, who yet again finds a perfect character, and is at her charming best playing Kusuma. Bell Bottom makes a good impression in the end before the case is solved.
