Title: Andondittu Kaala | Producer: Bhuvan Suresh | Director: Keerthi Krishna | Music: Raghavendra | Cinematography: Abhishek Kasargod | Cast: Vinay Rajakumar, Aditi Prabhudeva, Nisha Ravi Krishnan, Aruna Balaraj, Dharmendra Urs, Jaggappa V Ravichandran and others.
Like how history is not dead stock, the past is truly penetrating and sometimes guides us toward perfection. In this film, which runs with a popular storyline, the director is careful in sketching the character of the protagonist Kumar. The importance of education that the director highlights, and later the trials and tribulations faced by the protagonist, stand out compared to other similar films. It is the writing skill that saves the grace of the character, and in Kannada cinema, the film My Autograph, although a remake, is like a motherboard for this kind of filmmaker.
Although the first half is serene and not so gripping, the commendable second half makes this film AK watchable. Time is money, time is very special, and time is ever-changing. In that case, the curious first half to spend the time was less needed. Every frame is predictable, while the glory of catching attention is set aside for the last half an hour. Kumar, an ardent fan of doyen director Puttanna Kanagal, aspires to be a successful director, with great support from his parents and four friends. The real turmoil begins when he comes to Bengaluru to fulfill his dream. At this point, he finds the going tough and returns once, only to come back again with greater determination. How Kumar finds his place as a winning director, and what awaits him, forms a touching element of his life.
At three different stages, Kumar also falls in love, but his adolescent infatuation comes across as shocking to the audience, and in this area the director should have taken ample care. Vinay Rajakumar, slowly evolving in his choice of roles, shows the ability to perform well, and his selection of sensible characters earns him kudos. Nisha is very sweet in her short presence, and so is Aditi Prabhudeva, whose graceful entry is marked by the Mugaru Maleyalli song. Aruna Balaraj appears in a regular mother’s role, while Dharmendra Urs as the father has a few sensible moments, especially when he is on a walk with his son Kumar. Kaddi Pudi Chandru’s role as production manager fits well, and the realities of the direction department are indeed an eye-opener.
On the musical front, Raghavendra delivers three lovely songs: the opening one sung by Vijayaprakash, later the romantic Mungaru Maleyalli, and finally the touching mother’s anthem. Young and vibrant cameraman Abhishek Kasargod captures attention with his varied camera angles. AK is no doubt a feel-good cinema for the family.