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Writer-director Channagangappa has so far made films that deal with issues, even winning a Karnataka state award for his first film Karimaleya Kaggaththalu, which dealt with illiteracy that existed among the tribals. His last film Soundarya dealt with real estate problems.
And now, for the first time, Channagangappa has made a film that entertains. The title Chikkamagaloora Chikka Mallige is inspired from a popular Ilayaraja song from the film Shivasainya. The film pleases your eyes and ears with its fantastic technical work and excellent music.
Though the film is inspired by a short story of Robindranath Tagore, the director has added a lot of comedy and suspense elements.
Vasundhara is the grand daughter of a king who has lost his kingdom. The king has some well wishers including a big businessman and a leading advocate who is fighting a case involving the king. The hero -- son of the businessman -- looks at the former king with contempt. Later he realises that the King has the heart of gold. He slowly starts loving Vasundhara. But Vasundhara has been engaged to one of her relatives when she was still a child.
Meanwhile, there are assassination attempts made on the king. Who has made these murder attempts and what will eventually happen to the love affair of Vasundhara forms the crux of the climax.
To the director's credit, the film keeps you engaged through many intriguing and entertaining sequences. The crisp dialogues written by the director makes Chikka Magaloora Chikkamallige an entertaining fare.
However the weak point is that the story does not relate to present day. It does not have any contemporary touch except for the attire worn by the film's young team.
More than the new artists Shravanth and Radhika Gandhi, it is the veterans C R Simha, Bharath Bhagavathar, Sharath Lohithashwa, Karibasavayya and Vinaya Prakash who deliver strong performances.
Certainly this film is memorable for C R Simha who is considered as a genius in Kannada theatre. Sharath Lohithashwa appeals with his booming voice and decent performance. Young artists Shravanth and Radhika are lively on screen. Though Radhika looks very cute on screen, her costumes could have been a little more appealing.
The real hero of the film though is J G Krishna, the cinematographer who had won a state award for Nannaseya Hoove, which was also directed by Channagangappa. He has proved once again that he is one of the best cinematographers in the Kannada film industry.
Though K Kalyan has provided some melodious songs, too many of them give us the feeling of repetitiveness. Editing work is quite good.
All in all, Chikkamagaloora Chikkamallige has engaging and entertaining moments to appeal to the family audience.
Rediff Rating: 