Bhagyadha Balegaara is old fashioned

Bhagyadha Balegaara is the story of a bangle seller, the only novelty point in the Kannada film. Other than that, everything about the film is formulaic, and you need to have lots of patience to see this hundred minute film directed by Sai Prakash. Based on the story by Ajay Kumar, the film does not connect to the contemporary rural or urban life and looks archaic in its form and content.

Sai Prakash has made several successful and not-so-successful sentimental films earlier and created a brand value for himself. Bhagyadha Balegaara is a rehash of his earlier films like Thavarige Baa Thangi, Anna Thangi and Thavarina Siri.

How many times can we watch such cliched films?

But Maestro Ilayaraja has composed some classic compositions like Kannalle Kaaduvanu, Bhagyadha Balegaara and Minchulli. The director has taken a lot of care to shoot the songs. Ilayaraja's background score is also excellent. Other than that, there is nothing positive about the film.

The story revolves around Balegaara Chennaiah, a do-gooder who is in love with Cheluvi. He sells bangles and predicts the future of the people by looking at their hand while helping them wear the bangles. He refuses to see the hand of his lover, because he feels all the other girls in the village except his lover are his sisters. All his attempts to get married to Cheluvi are thwarted by his scheming stepmother and his lover's greedy brother. 

The highlight of the film is the performances of two leading artistes -- Shivaraj Kumar and Navya Nair. Shivaraj Kumar adds perfection to his role, while Navya Nair wins everyone's heart through her expressive eyes and attractive smile. But the other artists just scream and shout throughout the film.

Technically the film is average and that includes the camera work by M R Seenu.

Bhagyadha Balegaara can be watched only for the splendid performances of Shivaraj Kumar and Navya Nair, and Ilayaraja's well picturised three songs.

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