Actor Adarsha has taken too many responsibilities in directing his third directorial venture Hushaar [a thriller]. Besides acting and directing in this Kannada movie, Adarsha has also composed the music and penned the lyrics.
The story revolves around a series of murders that take place in a village called Somanahalli. There are many incidents of missing persons too. The villagers attribute the events to be the work of the devil. Enters the hero, an agriculture scientist who falls in love with the village head's daughter. Suspicion moves from one end to the other and finally the hero reveals who is behind the series of deaths and kidnappings.
Adarsha's directorial capabilities have improved with this film. He has been able to maintain a good tempo particularly in the second half. Maintaining the curiosity level and suspense has been the main focus of the film. The film is gripping in the beginning of the second half and continues till the climax although the first half has too many loose ends.
Hushaar bears a striking resemblance to Upendra's Shh... and it may not be wrong to assume that Adarsha, who incidentally is a big fan of Uppi, may have been inspired by the director's flick. Thankfully Adarsha has tried to be different and has been marginally successful in presenting a tightly narrated suspense-filled film. Adarsha scores as a music director through his background music. Camera work is above average.
However, the movie is not without a few glitches. For example, the comedy sequences are in very poor taste while the song and love sequences of Mallika Kapoor and sequences featuring Anand act like speed breakers to a tight narration.
Coming to the performances, Adarsha has done a better job in the second half as an actor. Mumbai import Mallika Kapoor should be given a crash course in acting immediately. No amount of make-up can cover up an expressionless face. Anand is a good actor, but he is handicapped by uninspiring comedy sequences.
Hushaar could have made a greater impact as a suspense thriller if not for the comedy.
Rediff Rating: 
