Karnataka - Bangalore   

Enviable entertainer

Jogi (Kannada)

Director: Prem

Cast: Shivrajkumar, Arundhati Rao, Ramesh Bhat, Gururaj Hoskote, Jennifer and Kashi

Ashwini films' Jogi is based on the classical theme of search and irresistible desire for reunion. Melancholy, tragic undertones and insured mother - son fixation in the backdrop of urban underworld and rustic realities elevate Jogi and prevent it from becoming another run of the mill film on rural simplicity and blood thirsty underworld.

Clever screenplay, calculated and realistic narrative technique by director Prem, effective employment of rustic and underworld dialects, good photography (Seenu) and a couple of haunting tunes (Gurukiran ) have helped Jogi meet the expectations of film buffs.

Madesha (Shivrajkumar), who sports the Michael Jackson hairstyle, has an irresistible passion for rustic street dance like his mother Bhagyakka (Arundhati Rao) who wants to please his childlike son. After the death of his ailing father, Madesha leaves for Bangalore in search of livelihood. The rest of the film is about the mother-son separation and their mutual longing for a reunion.

Prem brings in an emotional scene in which Shivrajkumar, in the get up of innocent Madesha, seeks the blessings of his parents, the thespian of Kannada cinema, Rajkumar, and his wife, Parvathamma Rajkumar, well before he begins his narration.

Then Prem sets his narration in the backdrop of underworld violence that reminds one of the film Om in which Shivrajkumar carved a niche for himself. He shifts the ambience immediately to M.M. Hills with an emphasis on Rajkumar's native village, Singanallur. Besides capturing the rural ethos and emotions, Prem juxtaposes urban and rural realities and rationalities to punctuate innocence and ruthlessness.

Owing to his ability to hold contradictory elements of peace and violence and innocence and ruthlessness in contrast, the film pleases the targeted audience.

Brilliant performances by Arundhati Rao, Shivrajkumar and Ramesh Bhat and supported by Gururaj Hoskote and many talented new artistes contribute significantly to make Jogi an imposing and enviable entertainer.

K.N. VENKATASUBBA RAO

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