Preethigaagi is a remake of three films in different languages -- Fazil's Tamil Kaadalukku Mariyaadha, the Malayalam Aniyathi Pravu, and Priyadarshan's Hindi film Doli Saja Ke Rakhna.

This Kannada version -- like Fazil's film -- has the most interesting climax. But, before you get there, you would first have to sit through the film, which is anything but riveting.

The story is the same old formula of a couple's forbidden love, elders' opposition, decision to elope and then the climax. Like Fazil, Mahendar too has opted for a slow narration, but with some changes in the script and additional fight sequences. Deviating from the Tamil remake, Mahendar has left out differences in religion, the central part of the original.

Preethigaagi puts young hero Murali is in a different league and proves he can act well. However, heroine Sridevi maintains the same expression throughout the film. Others like Avinash, Ramakrishna, Jayanthi, Doddanna and Shobharaj have really done their job well.

The visuals are the plus points of Preethigaagi, while the music just remixes of maestro IIlayaraja's the original tunes and some of S A Raj Kumar's  popular songs.

Preethigaagi is enjoyable for those who haven't seen the original.

Rediff rating: