There was a lot of hype around Sajini and that was mainly because A R Rahman had composed the music of the film. And it was for the first time that he was doing it for a Kannada film. Unfortunately none of the tunes are original; he had composed them first for the Tamil film Jodi a film that had Prashanth and Simran in the lead roles. Fortunately, all the songs are well choreographed and well shot.
Though Sajini has all the ingredients of a good family entertainer, it doesn't rise above mediocrity.
Sajini may not be a scene by scene remake of the Tamil film Jodi, but its story line and script is heavily inspired by it and also the recently released Telugu hit Bommarillu.
The main weak point of Sajini is its script. It is quite evident that first time director Murugesh has not done his homework well. The lesson: you cannot make a hit film by just by borrowing from two hit films!
The first half is weak while the second has too many songs. Finally, it gathers pace only to convey a strong message, which is the importance of taking elders into confidence while choosing your life partner that may appeal to the conservative family audience!
The love relationship of Sajini and Vikram start while they study in London. But they marry only after they get approval from their parents!
There are two cinematographers in the film; one who shot the parts in London and the other in Bangalore and indoors. The London parts are visually brilliant and of high quality, though the same cannot be said of the Bangalore shots. The difference in quality strikes you.
Newcomer Sharmila rocks and has a bright future ahead for her. Dhyan who had shown his mettle earlier is wooden faced in emotional sequences. But it is Anant Nag, Avinash, Chitra Shenoy and Shivaram who elevate the film through their brilliant performances.
Sajini is a feel good film with rich production values. But you will forget it the moment you come out of the theatre.
Rediff rating: