Preethigagi Kannada Movie
In the days when youthful love stories with original and fresh concepts are being accepted with open arms, here comes a remake film where even the song tunes are lifted. 'Preethigaagi' is the remake of Tamil Hit 'Kaadalukku Mariyaadhai' directed by Fazil who had made the original of this film in Malayalam earlier.
Climax is an integral part of any film is too well known, but in a film like 'Preethigaagi' it is not only an integral part but also the most interesting part. The film virtually takes off in a few sequences leading to the climax and finally what a great and fitting climax for the film. Even the hugely successful 'K M' was based on Fazil directed Malayalam film. The Hindi remake of this film 'Doli Sajaake Rakna' was directed by Priyadharshan. In every version of the film, including the Kannada one, the high point of the whole film was the climax sequence. Director Mahendar has really worked hard to create a right impact on the audience, and it is sure that the majority of audience will have a strong feel before they come out of the theatres.
Preethigaagi sends a strong message that there is no point in lovers getting into an alliance without getting the elders acceptance. But the point is the film takes up the slow narrating path to drive this message and the impact comes strong only in the climax. All the major characters of the film barring the hero and heroine give a good performance in the climax sequence.
In the Kannada version though there have been some changes. There are some fight sequences in the film which have been unnecessarily included. The element religion which forms central to the story of the film has been left out. The original story has the hero as a Hindu and the heroine as a Christian. The conflict in the film arises mainly because of the difference in the religion of the hero and the heroine. But this element is completely taken out in 'Preethigaagi' and perhaps this may be one reason as to why the proceedings of the film in the earlier part of the film lacks the necessary punch and impact seen in 'Kaadalukku Mariyaadhai'.
Still 'Preethigaagi' is likeable mainly because of the beauty of visuals, quality of the songs backed by a good performance from all the major artists. Usually most of Mahendar's films have strong dosage of performance and 'Preethigaagi' is no different. More than Murali and the film's heroine Sridevi, it is the character artists like Avinash, Ramakrishna, Jayanthi, Doddanna and Shobharaj shine in the film. Murali has tried hard to essay his role. But Sridevi looks same poker face throughout the film. Any comparison with Shaalini's performance in 'Kaadalukku Mariyaadhai' will lead to disappointment.
Nagashekhar and Master Anand do well in providing some relief in the film by his comedy touches. Some tunes of the songs have been lifted straight from 'Kaadalukku Mariyaadhai' which had Music Maestro Ilayaraaja's original flavor. Music Director S.A.Raj Kumar has also included some tunes of his own hit songs in Tamil films in a few songs. Totally the film's musical strength lacks originality, but yet appealing. Chandru's camera work makes the film a pleasing viewing. Editor Soundar scores well in the most important climax sequence of the film.
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