Prajwal Sagar Ramu productions

rajwal no match for Malashree

S Shyam Prasad [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

SAGAR


DIRECTOR MD Sridhar

ACTORS

Prajwal Devraj,Radhika Pandit,Haripriya,Sanjana,Avinash,Dev Gill

RUN TIME 140 minutes

CERTIFICATION U/A

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A film by producer Ramu cannot be faulted for being lavish.Everythinghastobeonagrand scale and this does show up on the screen.In a romantic drama likeSagar,thiscomesintheformofexotic locales,a big star-cast and overthe-top action sequences.Ramu wants death-defying action,even in a romantic film.But is it as believable when Prajwal beats up,throws in the air and vanquishes 50 men the same way Malashree or Darshan do it Prajwal has given it his all,but as he comes out vanquishing Dev Gill (of Magadheera fame) and his henchmen in fights,you need more than a handful of salt.
Till about a few years ago,Ramu was a staunch non-believer in remakes.After remaking a couple of films,and numerous debacles with originals he seems to have found the middle path.The story is by a Telugu writer KS and Sagar feels every bit an entertainer in that mould (a throwback to Janardhan Maharshi who could blend 4-5 different films into one new story).The three leading ladies do remind you of the Telugu film Chukkallo Chandrudu.But so many Telugu films remind you of so many other Telugu films as well.Sagar is as original a Kannada film as any commercial film goes.
Trying to avoid marriage with Haripriaya,'Australia-returned' Prajwal cooks up stories about another girl.His friend Sanjana helps him out and Radhika Pandit is projected as his lover.In the midst of family frolic,that is the staple of 'family dramas'Prajwal has to find true love among the two girls.The third girl adds the additional glamour.And then there is the 'international don' Dev Gill,who has no option but to be beaten up by Prajwal.
Gurukiran seems to be reinventing himself.There is a song that reminds you of Yograj Bhat-Harikrishna combination.The cinematography by Krishna Kumar (in the clear air of Australia) and editing (especially of the songs) are awesome.It is good to see seasoned actors in all frames at a time when relatives of producer shave taken over screen space and made people forget what acting is.The second half of the film leans towards wellhoned filmi formula.This makes the film a drag.The liveliness of the first half is lost.
Prajwal is good in the romantic part and uncharacteristic in action.Radhika proves why she bags awards by the handful.Haripriya plays out her role well and credit should got to seasoned Avinash and Sharat Lohitashva who make the film grand with their presence.It is the import Dev Gill who pales in comparison though the dubbing of his voice by Gurukiran is a perfect fit.