A stitch in time saves nine. For the stitch to save nine, it has to be sewn with a strong thread and an equally strong needle. Even if either fails, the stitch becomes useless. Experimental films are the flavour of this season and the makers of Soojidaara seem have caught the buzz right. Soojidaara, featuring Hariprriya, new face Yashwanth Shetty and other talented actors, had created a lot of buzz online with its trailer. But we can’t always judge the movie by its trailer, right?
The Padmashree award given to a renowned poet goes missing. Protagonist Yashwanth Shetty is on the run and finds shelter in a housing colony in Chitradurga town. The colony is home to different individuals who are struggling to find their own identities. Yashwanth accidentally lands in the house of Padma (Haripriyya) who is stuck in an abusive relationship. The colony also has a flower seller (Chaithra Kotoor), who is also an aspiring actor struggling to make it big in the tele-serial world. Yashwanth has a past he is trying to run from. Constables probing the lost Padmashree award enter the colony. Thus, the curtain goes up on a drama filled with misunderstandings, revelations, and the characters finding their purpose in life. Fate brings their lives together and we see that there’s much more than meets the eye.
The movie is an adaptation of a short story written by HB Indrakumar and Mounesh Badiger. The movie is a kind of subaltern rendition of the Ramayana. For years there have been several versions and interpretations of the epic. What makes Soojidaara different from all these versions and watchable are the technical aspects of the film. Mounesh Badiger, who has also directed the film, manages to convince viewers with his technical flair, but the narrative and pace are a let-down.
The movie undoubtedly belongs to Hariprriya. The actor, who has been the apple of producers’ and directors’ eyes, has delivered another strong and commendable performance with Soojidaara. Her last few films – Neerdose, Life Jothe Ond Selfie, Bell Bottom – have given her the status of a cult actor and the line-up of her upcoming films – D/O Parvathamma, Kurukshetra, Katha Sangama, Ellidde Illitanaka – is sure to elevate her position in Sandalwood. Playing a de-glam housewife subjected to horrific physical abuse, she manages to surpass all the other actors with her performance. This can be called the best performance of her career, though at times it looks a little forced, thanks to the narration.
Another actor who deserves special mention is Suchendra Prasad. Known for his deep voice and excellent acting, Prasad has given a remarkable performance in Soojidaara. Achyut Kumar’s performance too is admirable. Shreya Anchan has a memorable character and she has aced it with ease. Chaithra Kotoor and Yashwanth Shetty have done justice to their respective roles in their debut movie, but need to upskill themselves if they are keen on extending their stay in tinselville.
Mounesh Badiger’s choice to debut with Soojidaara is praiseworthy. But he needs a lot of polishing to emerge as a successful commercial filmmaker. The film takes a lot of time to unfold and too many characters appearing out of nowhere makes it a boring watch at times. But technically, Soojidaara is brilliant. While Ashok V Raman’s cinematography gives a rich feel to the frame, Mohan L Rangakahale’s colouring, S Pradeep Varma’s background music and Mallikarjuna Mathighatta’s art direction are top notch. The songs Jaaruthiruve, Hunnime Raathriyali and Ee Sparsha Ekaantha are good.
Soojidaara is a well-made movie, but just a one-time watch. Better editing and narration could have made a lot of difference to the treatment of the movie.
Disclaimer: This review was not paid for or commissioned by anyone associated with the series/film. TNM Editorial is independent of any business relationship the organisation may have with producers or any other members of its cast or crew.