The publicity design, says Hatrick Hodi Maga, is a heart breaking film (sic). It is indeed one!
The Kannada film is bound to disappoint all the fans of Shivaraj Kumar fans who have been expecting a decent film from him. Hatrick Hodi Maga also makes you wonder how an experienced actor like Shivaraj Kumar, who has acted in some wonderful gangster films like OM, Jogi and the stylishly executed action film AK 47, accepted a film with such a concocted plot.
Director PN Sathya, who has dished out many gangster films earlier, has made yet another one, which is nothing but a very crude film. He has also written the story, screenplay and dialogues. Earlier, the Censor Board objected to the original title Hodi Maga and that was how the film became Hatrick Hodi Haga.
The story goes like this: Surya is a well educated young man who enjoys a peaceful life with his mother, and a physically challenged sister. His family's existence is threatened by the rivalry between two dons (one led by a woman and another by her cantankerous cousin). Surya's sister is kidnapped, raped and killed by the don. Surya sets out to avenge his sister's murder.
As usual Shivaraj Kumar is good in the fight sequences and dances. Despite his age, he shows extreme agility on screen. Mumbai import Nicolette Bird has an insignificant role that is limited to a few songs and some scenes. You pity actors of great calibre like Sharath Lohithaswa, Pavithra Lokesh and Aadi Lokesh whose roles are so badly written. Jassie Gift who did well in his debut Kannada film Hudugaata, is completely off colour here.
BL.Ravi's camera work is better.
In a nutshell, Hatrick Hodi Maga can be described as one of the worst gangster films made in Kannada.
Rediff Rating: