Let's get analytical. First, the four plus points about Mungaru Male.
The film is mostly shot in the rainy season in the Karnataka's visually stunning Malnad area. The film rocks because of the fantastic photography by Krishna. Director Yogaraj Bhat also has added his bit with some refreshing dialogues. The lilting music will go down well with the younger audience. And then there is energetic artist Ganesh whose television work has already rewarded him with a big fan following.
These four plus points apart, Mungaru Male suffers from a weak script and an unconvincing story line. Sanjana Gandhi, the Mumbai-imported heroine of the film, is another weak link in the film.
The film which looks great in the first half goes haywire from the middle of the second half. The climax remains the most uninspiring part of the whole film. In a way, Mungaru Male is mixed fare, but can be recommended for a viewing, largely because of its top class technical values and Ganesh.
Ganesh, better known as 'Comedy Time' Ganesh because of his extremely popular TV show has grown from a two-scene comedian to a full-fledged hero. Ganesh turned hero in Chellaata and the film ran well. And now with Mungaru Male he proves that he isn't a one film wonder. He is the soul of this film, and is ably supported by veteran artists like Anant Nag.
Director Yogaraj Bhat showed a lot of promise in Mani, his first film. Here he excels with dialogue and lyric, but disappoints as a director. Bhat seems to have concentrated more on the picturisation of songs and locales than working out the script's finer points.
Mungaru Male revolves around the happy go lucky Preetham who accompanies his mother to the hilly area of Madikeri to attend a wedding. He falls for a girl without knowing who she is, and it is only after both of them realise that they are deeply in love that they are struck by a twist.
Ganesh steals the show as Preetham, while Anant Nag takes the cake as the deaf ex-service man. His expressions, when he is not using the hearing aid, are really hilarious! Jai Jagdish has a cameo role in the film.
Music director Mano Murthy has once again excelled. It is really a matter of surprise how this NRI who only comes to India to record music for some selective films delivers so consistently. Cinematographer Krishna is a hero with splendid outdoor shoots in some breathtaking locales.
Mungaru Male may have some serious flaws, but is an interesting film that will be remembered for its innovative and classic technical work.
Rediff Rating:
