Sudeep's Kannada film, Kaamannana Makkalu -- which is directed by actor Gurudatt -- confirms the theory that producers should be careful when they choose subjects to remake films. A film is bound to fail when the original story does not strike a cord with the audiences.
Kaamannana Makkalu is a remake of Mammootty's Malayalam hit, Thommanum Makkalum, and the Kannada film audience will not be able to relate to it. They have seen films with a similar story before. Even Thommanum Makkalum followed a beaten track. The film was just a commercial hit, and Gurudatt has not shown any desire to improvise the script in Kannada. The failure of the Tamil remake, Mazaa with Vikram, should have made him cautious.
The story revolves around three thieves -- Kaamanna and his adopted sons, Krishna and Rama. After they reform, they are forced to stay in a village where the people are terrorised by goons. Rama and Krishna drive the goons out, who then attack the house of Shivaramaiah, a poor man. Krishna falls for Shivaramaiah's daughter while Rama falls in love with the village head's daughter.
Sudeep does well but it's not one of his best performances. Rockline Venkatesh uses this opportunity to score well and his dialogues get a lot of laughs. Doddanna and Sadhu Kokila's comedy portion is passable. In spite of this, the film falls flat.
Gurudatt has shown lack of originality by copying Mazaa's music. Chi Chi is the only song with a catchy tune.
Venkat's camerawork shines in the climax.
Except for some well-crafted comedy sequences, Kaamannana Makkalu does not impress.
Rediff Rating: 
