We not only see different Shivamani in this film but the enormous strength the film has for students and parents is a very well measured summer treat. The students and parents can have introspection and after coming out from the theatres without much of discussion the reformation takes place.

Raaki (Rakesh) loses his track in life. Love becomes very important for him and it is one side love. After school and college days Meena (Poorna) desert him for her professional career in medicine and Raki finds Meera (Nithya) as an alternative but she also discards him and questions his strength in life to live.

After the 10th standards the close friends of Rakhi also naughty finds the path suggested by their parents and indulges in studies. The director at this point of time stresses on the necessity of making strong base in life. Love in life can wait but the lost time for the teens cannot come once again. The director focus that love at this age is nothing but an infatuation which is the message.

On the convocation day, Raakhi comes up on stage and sums up his life going absolutely bad. My situation should not come to anyone he begs. Raaki friends do not leave him at this stage and encourage him.

The Kannada cinema industry has got a new hero Rakesh and new heroine Poorna. Both are very good in emotions and looks. Robo Ganesh the boneless wonder is the special attraction of this film. The other boys Vishnu, Akshay, Alok, Amith, Jagannath, Chethan – all selected from the talent search have proved that they can go ahead in future.

Achyuth Rao, Srinath, Srinivasa Prabhu, Sudha Belawadi and Thulasi Shivamani showed exemplary zeal in doing their roles. Nithya who comes in the second half is very sweet in her short presence.

Hey Magaa….Than thane Thane…..Namskara Sir…. and retuned yesteryears top song from ‘Geetha’ Kannada film Jothe Jotheyali….are worth hearing again. The major strong point of this well made ‘Josh’ is the excellence in the camera department. Santosh Rai Pathaje right from ‘7 O’Clock’ Kannada film has showed his grit and determination for very good cinematography.

Students and parents should watch this film without fail.

Movie:Josh
Director:Shivamani
Producer:Sanjay Babu
Music:Vardhan
Cast:Rakesh, Vishnu,
Akshay, Alok, Amith,
Jagannath, Poorna, Sneha

It is the hallucination of protagonist Soorya (Suraj) that keeps gripping moments till the climax of the film. Soorya has a very affectionate admirer Sinchana (Sambrama) from a quite long time but she is elusive.

Visible only to Suraj is what brings him problems. Meanwhile Soorya grown under the tutelage of a couple (Sharat Babu and Thulasi), has one more lover in Megha which he is not aware. The elusive standards of Sinchana doubt the credibility of Soorya and he is given a ring by Swamiji so that he is not disturbed by any forces. Soorja on the death of his trusted Sharat Babu to bring in good atmosphere in the house agrees for the match with Megha.

On the engagement day when ring has to be exchanged, Soorya pulls out the ring given by Swamiji and to his surprise Sinchana appears in front of his eyes. No one except Soorya knows with whom he is talking to. Sinchana looking at the marriage set for Soorya leaves once for all but she is the first choice of Soorya in his heart.

The mixing of songs, comedy and sentiments in this story is interesting but length should have been pruned. Sindesh heading the many responsibilities shows good promises as the captain of the film. He has kept himself away from violence and vulgarity.

Sooraja who debut in ‘Shivani’ early this year has given a punching and poised performance. He is good in action and romantic scenes. Ramya Barne looks very fresh and Sambrama has a long career ahead. Thulasi Shivamani and Sharat Babu lend good support in the supporting cast. Vishwa and Pawan add the required sidekicks very often.

This is the 100th film music direction of V.Manohar. There are three lilting tunes that very meaningful and well shot by cameraman Vishnuvardhana. The long time cameraman assistant Vishnuvardhana is noticed from this film ‘Neenyare’ for his excellent capturing of locations – the hills, greenery, mist and cloud plus the drizzle give a pleasant feel to the eyes.

Cast:    Sooraj, Ramya Barne, Sambrama, Megashri,
Sharat Babu, Thulasi Shivamani, Vishwa, Pawan
Direction:    Sindesh

It is the fun loving youths Vijaya Raghavendra, Komal Kumar dumb Nagkiran and Diganth sent out from the college campus indulging in a series of mischievous activities after knowing the secret of Rs.30 crores from a chit fund proprietor who dies in an accident. The foursome is chased by a cop Prathap (Sudeep) and that gives room for the illegal ideas to creep into their minds which shocks the cop, who is struggling for a promotion. A deal gets finalized as 60 percent for the youths and 40 percent for the cop and they set out behind the money in Ooty.

On their way they get separated but rejoin at the specified place and time. The journey they undertake and the people they come across evoke humor. Finally when they find the money and divide it too they are stunned when they are found on the stage in a blind school function. Looking at the huge amount in the hands of these looters the announcer presumes that they have come to donate. When they look at the pathetic condition of youths they realize and dump the money in the donation box.

Sudeep has fire in his role and he is cool in his portions. Komal Kumar is the main screen stealer in this film. His timing is perfect. Vijaya Raghavendra, Diganth and Nagkiran keeping aside their image of a hero, have done an excellent job in this film. Jennifer Kotwal looks pretty in the Chori Chori song. In the sundry roles Rangayana Raghu, Sihikahi Chandru, Bullet Prakash, Tennis Krishna, Umasri are very convincing.

Three of this film songs are foot tapping. The title song, Chori Chori….and Shakalaka Boom…..are well captured by cameraman MR Seenu, Upendra with twelve heroines in a song and Master Snehith Jagadish entry is plausible and enchating.

Cast:    Sudeep, Vijaya Ragavendra, Diganth,
Nag Kiran, Komalkumar, Jennifer Kotwal
Direction:    Anantharaju
Production:    Soundarya Jagadish
Music:    Balaji

Balu (Ganesh) journey in life is filled with doing well to those whom he meets. He is the darling of Lachchi (Vedhika) family because he is always a decision maker in the family. When a software boy is selected for the marriage of Lachchi it is Balu who goes with Khama (Komalkumar) to know the true colors of the boy. When the duo describe in the family of Lachchi how ‘Naalayak’ is the boy for Lachchi there is a feel of rejoice. The savior and protector of Lachchi family Balu is a small time real estate operator for his livelihood.

When Lachchi is down with fever it is Balu who takes her early in the morning to perform the ritual on her behalf. This care and affection that is very pure gives a space in the heart of Lachchi for Balu. Lachchi express her interest in him at the interval point but Balu knows where he stands. Firstly he is not well off to give a comfortable living for Lachchi and most important is that the family of Lachchi banking on him. He considers in life that belief should not be dislocated in front of love.

When Balu knows that Lachchi likes him and not the software guy from Germany he becomes very alert but destiny has something else in store. His good friend Khama and family members of Lachchi respect the attitude of Balu and they relieve him of the fear that belief is affected when he marries Lachchi. The software guy ready for marriage returns softly from the scene.

This is the most responsible film from the most popular actor Ganesh. He does not have the speed of dialogues in this film that is his major trump card but he gives his best looking very charming on the screen. How a neighboring girl should be taken care take a note from this film. The costumes selection and choreography are splendid for Ganesh. Vedhika is a heroine to watch. She has the perfect personality and her ability to emote is also superb. Rangayana Raghu deviating from comedy gives a surprise as a very responsible father. Komalkumar fills the comedy department. Maina playing the eunuch in the film is disgusting.

Devisriprasad has given three memorable tunes in his first entry to Kannada. The more use of sounds at places could have been avoided. Yet Dilmange more…..Kodu Kodu varavanu Bagavantha and title track are worth hearing again. Lyricist Kaviraj has given a well thought out wordings in his lyrics.

Shekar Chandru camera has no flaws. His hard work is seen because on two occasions despite of the usage of huge lights at the backdrop he gives a treat to the eyes.

Go with your family and don’t forget to take the neighbors. Here is a film that speaks so high of your neighbors.

Movie:Sangama
Director:Ravi Verma
Producer:Sanjay Babu
Music:Devisriprasad
Cast:Ganesh, Vedhika, Rangayana Raghu

The whole film is a big bore with an exception to a few lovely tunes and a few action scenes catching the attention. Director Srinivasaraju is a novice. He should have taken advice for his script and narration from a cross section of people when he is handling the debut film for him and for the debut of producer son Chetan. The overconfidence of the director should not burn crores of rupees of the producer.

Prem is clean bowled to the beauty of Aishwarya. This is just before the interval point and till then the director has wasted without telling anything worthwhile. Aishwarya is engaged as her studies are nearing completion. Like a fool in the art class of Aishwarya, it is Prem who dash in to express his love to get a slap on his face. Aishwarya cannot go back on her father the famous underworld don verdict. But the gutsy youth Prem gets inside the den of the underworld don and throws a challenge to Aishwarya. Accordingly, Aishwarya is supposed to live Prem’s house for ten days so that he can make her fall in love with him. The don father Girish Karnad likes the attitude of Prem and he permits his daughter to ahead with the challenge. The don is confident that his daughter would not ditch him loving an ordinary guy.

Nothing happens in the 10 days stay of Aishwarya in the house of Prem. Aishwarya gets lovely affection and she is guarded well but that is not what Prem was looking for. He is not making any attempt either to express his love is another area of lack of substance. Back in her father’s house Aishwarya agrees for the marriage arranged according to the choice of her father. But a friend of Prem gives a lesson to Aishwarya as to how much he (Prem) loves her. It is a battle ground set by Don Girish Karnad to finish off Prem where his daughter comes running from the Kalyan Mantap to accept Prem as her life partner. A ridiculously foolish experiment will be the words from your lips when you come out of the theatre yawning big!

Chetan has to change a lot to suit the film career. As of now, he has the huge empire of his father’s business to look after and that should be a good selection for him. The hairstyle looks, acting and dialogue delivery deserves to be better for Chetan. The second heroine Pratiksha Shetty is better than the first heroine Aishwarya Ajit. Vinayaprakash has given a pleasant performance. Girish Karnad and Srinath’s efforts have been wasted like the other elements of the movie. Action scenes have been composed well and editing by Suresh Urs is tolerable.

Veteran of national repute Hamsalekha has given only two lovely tunes that are very good on screen from the cinematography of Dathu.

Banner:    Bhavya Cine Creations
Cast:    Chetan, Aishwarya Ajith, Prateeksha, Girish Karnad, Sudha Belawadi,
Vinayaprakash, Kishore, Hari, Naveen, Mahesh, Amrutha
Direction:    Srinivasa Raju
Production:    Pushpa Byregowda
Music:    Hamsalekha