Karanjji, the latest Kannada movie directed by debutant director Sridhar, traces the obstacles faced by a Kannada music band.
The story is about the five band members who desperately search for an identity with their music. We have young Vijay and his group of friends who form a band to achieve big things in life. But their attempts fail, which leads them to move out to Viji's village where they meet a music teacher, Srinivasaiah.
Srinivasaiah is passionate about music and gives a few tips to the youngsters. Armed with their teacher's advice, Viji and his friends reinvent their music by infusing native Kannada folk tunes in their music. Soon, however, misunderstandings crop up in the group leading to friction between the members. Do they overcome their differences and will they taste success? Well, you have to watch the movie to find out.
Karanjji comes to life in the song sequences though overall it is a weak film as a result of slow narration and lack of emotional content. Four songs by Veera Samarth -- Muridha Maradha Kombe Mele, Ee Dina Hosadaagide, Kumbarakki and Yaaroo Haadadha -- are melodious and tug at your heartstrings.
As far as performances go, Sridhar has succeeded in getting excellent work from Vijaya Raghavendra and Nanjunda. Gauri Karnik of Sur fame is however a letdown while veterans like Sudha Belawadi, Sridhar and Chandrashekhar are bogged down by ineffective characterisations.
Guruprashanth Rai's camera work is great. The art director too has done a neat job.
All in all, a treat for music lovers.
Rediff Rating: 
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