The most provocative Kannada film?

Watching Ganda Hendathi is torture. One can't help wonder why a filmmaker like Shylendra Babu -- who made good family films like Kutumba and Gowramma -- decided to create something like this. Why did well known film writer Ravi Srivatsa, who proved his mettle in his first directorial venture Deadly Soma, decide to be part of this?

Ganda Hendathi may have had the distinction of being called the most provocative film ever made in the history of Kannada cinema. A remake of Anurag Bose's Murder, one may have expected it to be provocative, but the filmmakers decided to go one step ahead. And, what a step it was! 

The title Ganda Hendathi is misleading as the film is certainly not for a family audience. Several sequences are distasteful and vulgar. How the censors passed this, even with an 'A' certificate, is a mystery. It has many scenes lifted straight from Murder and the Hollywood flick Unfaithful. But, as far as the bedroom sequences are concerned, Ganda Hendathi beats both, while lacking their pace and tempo. The songs have also been lifted from Murder and it is surprising how music director Guru Kiran agreed to do this when he was earlier opposed to such acts by other music directors.

Vishal, with very little experience as an actor behind him, plays the busy husband to perfection. Newcomer Sanjana is brave enough to do all the baring, but needs some toning up as far as her expressions are concerned. The only positive aspect is the camera work by Venu and Mathew Rajan.

Warning: Family audiences are advised to keep a safe distance from theatres screening this one.

Rediff Rating: