Ajay Kannada Movie
Comparisons can be dangerous sometimes. Particularly in the case of Kannada remake films which have been hitting the screen more often than not these days. The fact is that in the last five months, only two remake films- ''Rama Shaama Bhaama'' and ''Autograph'' - both directed by established actors like Ramesh and Sudeep have been successful from among 25 odd films that were released so far.
But still a section of the Kannada film audience and some top directors are making sustained campaign against remake films arguing that the remake films are killing and stifling the creative outputs in the industry. Added to that the film viewers in cities like Bangalore and Mysore who have opportunities to see better films of all the languages will certainly compare the quality of Kannada remake films with that of originals. This may prove to be a big handicap for remake films, unless the original films are not so popular with the Kannada film audience.
''Ajay'' starring Kannada super star Puneet Raj Kumar faces this problem as it is the remake of Telugu hit ''Okkudu'' featuring Mahesh Babu and its Tamil version ''Gilli'' featuring Vijay and Trisha. Both ''Okkudu'' and ''Gilli'' were largely successful in many centers of Karnataka. For the people who have already seen these two films, ''Ajay'' makes a poor comparison for many reasons. But for those who have not seen the original films, it is certainly a better viewing and an interesting product.
''Okkudu'' showcased the talents of Mahesh Babu in good measure and he became an icon of young Telugu film audience. ''Gilli'' had strengthened Vijay's position as a top star. But it is doubtful whether ''Ajay'' could enhance the stature and following of Puneet Raj Kumar as in the case of Mahesh and Vijay.
Puneet Raj Kumar had six hits so far in his career of six films which had created a huge hype on his seventh film ''Ajay''. The end product does not match the huge expectations and the pre release massive publicity blitz of ''Ajay''. That is mainly because the film suffers from a mediocre direction of Mehar Ramesh who has not tried to maintain the tempo of the film.
''Okkudu'' was technically superior and had a fast pace of narration, ''Ajay'' some how looks lost on both the counts. Mani Sharma had delivering soothing music and foot tapping songs in original Okkudu, but in the Kannada remake version he has just lifted some tunes of his own films.
On the positive side of the film, it has to be said that Puneet Raj Kumar has done his best in the role. His action sequences are really the saving grace of the film. Prakash Raj once again shines in his role and his dialogues in the Northern Kannada accent is top class. But the same could not be said of the film's heroine Anu Mehta (Telugu ''Arya' fame) who is a big letdown.
Nasser, Sathyajith, Sumithra do make a good impact in the limited scope offered to them. Producer Rockline Venkatesh has to be appreciated for the way he has tried to project his product and not yielding to compromises in making this film.
''Ajay'' is an enjoyable film for those who have not seen the original ''Okkudu'' or the Tamil film ''Gilli'' which followed it later. It can well be remembered for Puneeth's acrobatics and fight sequences.
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