‘Ambi Ning Vayassaytho’ review: Ambareesh steals the show in this family entertainer

Though the movie is nearly three hours long, the ensemble cast and the narration keep the audience glued.
‘Ambi Ning Vayassaytho’ review: Ambareesh steals the show in this family entertainer
‘Ambi Ning Vayassaytho’ review: Ambareesh steals the show in this family entertainer
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Some wines taste better when aged – just like the Rebel Star Ambareesh. Ambi Ning Vayassaytho (Ambi, you have aged) is the perfect gift the actor has given his fans. It has been a while since the legendary actor has done a full-fledged hero role, so the movie comes as a double treat for his fans.

Films mostly tend to celebrate the love and sacrifice of mothers and we rarely get to see a movie on affectionate fathers. Ambi fills that gap.

Ambi, a former movie stunt master, lives with his son (Dileep Raj) and his family in a small village after his retirement. Having always lived life on the edge, the inactive lifestyle starts getting to him. Following an altercation with his son, Ambi sets out, with a group of bikers, to find his first love, Nandini (Suhasini Maniratnam).

In a flashback, where Sudeep and Sruthi Hariharan play Ambareesh and Suhasini respectively, we are introduced to an innocent love story followed by a tear-jerking breakup. The second half of the movie delves into – Why did the duo break up? Will Ambi meet his first love after decades? If he does, what will be her reaction? What about her family?

Ambi is the remake of the Tamil film Pa Paandi penned by Tamil star Dhanush. The Kannada adaptation has been slightly tweaked to suit Ambareesh’s image and the nativity. There is a certain aura that Ambi carries – the way he rides his motorbike, the look in his eyes – there is love, compassion and yearning for something long lost. All of these only add weight to the perfectly executed script. It is indeed a one-man show and that man has simply carried the film effortlessly on his shoulders. In fact, it was Sudeep who came up with the catchy title, which itself defines Ambi’s persona.

The plot of the film aptly matches its length. Though it is nearly three hours long, the ensemble cast and the narration keep the audience glued. Credit should go to the producer and director Gurudatha Ganiga for packing every available slot with good actors. It does not seem like a debut film of the director because of the professional way it has been executed.

In the first half, we are introduced to the lives of retired old men who try to find solace in every place – among friends, grandkids and the little things in life. When Ambi is introduced to social media and is told that his love can be found online, he expresses certain doubts with an innocence that evokes both laughter and awwws.

The film is tailor-made for Ambareesh and despite ill-health and age-related issues, he has played his part with gusto and passion. And Suhasini is a timeless beauty and a wonderful actor. Her eyes speak volumes, especially in the scene where she sees Ambi after decades. Sudeep and Sruthi as young Ambi and Suhasini are near perfect. It is a treat to see them together. Fans, however, might be a tad disappointed because there are no scenes between Ambareesh and Sudeep.

Shivaraj KR Pete keeps you chuckling while Dileep Raj and Veena Ponappa do a good job in their roles. Arjun Janya’s music is another highlight of the film. Jebin Jacob’s cinematography complements the director’s visuals.

Apart from that, Ambi is a perfect family entertainer and we recommend enjoying it this weekend in a theatre with some popcorn.

Disclaimer: This review was not paid for or commissioned by anyone associated with the film. Neither TNM nor any of its reviewers have any sort of business relationship with the film’s producers or any other members of its cast and crew.

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