Director: Shivaganesh
Cast: Ravishankar, R K Rahul, Chikkanna, Sadhu Kokila, Samyukta Hornad, K Manju
While ghosts and restless souls continues to haunt sandalwood with endless horror movies this season, Jigarathanda comes as a relief coupled with fun and entertainment. Refreshingly true to its original made in Tamil with the same title, the highlight of this Kannada version is mostly about the versatile Ravishankar who has struck back with yet another impeccable performance.
With a good ready made product at his disposal, the director has hardly altered much with the original script with perfect twist and turns for a joyride for the audience. The casting is the plus point which has saved the day for lead actor Rahul, for whom it was a do or die project for Rahul, who makes a comeback as hero after a long time. It opens with a reality show about aspiring feature film directors. The tussle and difference of opinion between director Guruprasad and popular producer K Manju sets the tone of the film.
After Ravishankar, the surprising factor is the producer K Manju, who plays himself in the film. Despite appearing in limited scenes, Manju acts real and is a real treat for those who are aware of his mannerism. If you haven't watched the Tamil and Telugu version of Jigarthanda, the protagonist (played by Rahul) is backed by the producer after the director terms his work as a 'waste' in the reality show. However when approached the producer, our hero faces reality with the producer interested in masala movie on a gangster. Rahul is back and this time he shines with good act despite Ravishankar who is unstoppable in this one.
Refusing to let go his desire to shine as a director, the protagonist takes up the challenge and decides to do a movie based on a real gangster. He lands in a town tracing a dreaded gangster, and what follows while learning about the gangster is the fun part, and it soon gets multiplied with Ravishankar taking control over the act, and later Sadhu Kokila joining the laughter brigade. When finally the hero is set to leave the town with handful of information from the horses mouth itself, there comes a twist with the gangster wanting to turn hero for the film. Even the producer is forced to do so.
The film finally releases and the response shocks the gangster! The climax doesn't end so soon but thanks to Kiccha Sudeep who has trimmed the film in the last stages has actually made it a good watch in the end. Watch it for Armuga and for those wondering about the lead actress, it is Samyukta Hornard!
