Rarely do Kannada directors touch subjects which deal with themes that touch psychological aspects. Many are of the opinion that such subjects have limited appeal. Of course, it needs a sensitive handling. Though Aaptha Mithra with Dr Vishnuvardhan and Soundarya in the lead focused on a character that had a mental disorder, it was not an original film. The film directed by P Vasu was the remake of the Malayalam film Manichithrathazhu.
Nam Yejamaanaru with Dr Vishnuvardhan and Navya Nair in the lead has an original story line which revolves around a character suffering from the rarest of the rare disorder.
Award-winning director Nagabharana blends his classic style of narration with a credible story line in Nam Yejamaanaru which can be a treat for all those who look for something original in a film. Nam Yejamaanaru is one film that should be welcomed with open arms because this is a sincere attempt to narrate a different story in a refined manner.
The film has lot of emotional elements to sustain the interest of the audience, though it may be appealing for the enlightened audience as well.
Nagabharana has always tried to present his films differently and does not confirm to a stereotyped narration. He starts the complex story line immediately after a small fight and a forgettable comedy sequence. The story gets a strong base after the second half. The final twenty five minutes are gripping enough to make you sit at the edge of your seat.
The story goes like this. Shashank runs a marriage counseling agency. His wife is being hounded by Alok who claims that he is her lover. Alok believes that Shashank has snatched his lover from him and has even brainwashed her. The insurance investigative officer finds enough proof to nail both Shashank and his wife. Then comes the truth about Shashank's wife Urmila, who is dead and Charulatha, who is suffering from a multiple disorder syndrome is pretending to be his wife. What happens later and how Charulatha's disorder is cured forms the rest of the story.
Vishnuvardhan's performance is one of the highlights of the film. He has played a character that suits his age and stature. He is brilliant throughout particularly in the climax sequence. Navya Nair is exceptional as the vulnerable yet unpredictable Charu who becomes Urmila because of the disorder. Vijaya Raghavendra has done a good job as Alok. He also renders good play back for the E Hrudaya song. Lakshmi Gopalaswamy shines in the small role, while Anant Nag, Ramesh Bhat fill in their respective roles.
Hamsaleksha scores in the background music. Three songs are well picturised though Ninne Raathri is the highlight of the film. Ramesh Babu works well behind the camera.
Altogether this movie will be a real treat for the enlightened audience.
Rediff Rating: