Does the reunion of a formerly successful actor-director combination out to rediscover lost glory mean that they will simply repackage an old, done-to-death theme? If yes, then we should have no complaint with Kanaka Simhasanam directed by Rajasenan starring his favourite actor Jayaram.
On the other hand, looking for something fresh and cohesive from the celebrated duo would be inviting disappointment.
The premise of a theatre group struggling to keep their troupes afloat gives a lot of scope for engrossing fare. To be fair, we see glimpses of that when leading lady Karthika says theatre actors can bring tears without the use of onion or glycerine while performing; they have to just think of the condition of their home to do that. But other than a couple of poignant moments, there is hardly anything in the film relevant to its basic theme.
Kanakambaran (Jayaram) is one such troupe owner who doubles up as the lead actor along with his wife Bharathi (Karthika), who is his heroine on the stage too. Their expertise lies in playing out mythological tales, which has earned Kanakambaran the nickname 'Raja-part'. His popularity in playing royal parts drops him into a situation where Kanakambaran has to act as a real life prince.
From this point on, the story becomes lopsided with treatment straight out of films of the 60s and 70s where the protagonist of royal linage is forced to lead a pauper's life. This is a typical lost and found formula film of yore, where the hero has to save the life of the royal patriarch and pretend to romance a princess (Lakshamy Gopalaswamy) in the process.
The narrative is peppered with mimicry gags enacted by Jayaram, Suraaj Venjaaramoodu and a few other extras that are, to an extent, a source of some joy.
Jayaram acts as if this is the last role of his life; he gives it his all without realising that he is going overboard, especially when mimicking a hero from the past. But there is no point in blaming him as the fault lies in the subject he is dealing with.
Karthika does justice to her part, with a significant character to play, but Lakshamy Gopalaswamy is reduced to being a mannequin with a thankless role.
Rajasenan could have etched out a better story exploring the matter in hand but he just reduces Kanaka Simhasanam to a film that is barely watchable.
Rediff Rating: 
