Refreshing dream
Great chemistry: Srikanth and Gopika in `Kana Kandaen.'
Relevant issues, plausible storyline, astute screenplay, deft direction and alluring camera work make Sri Rajalakshmi Film (P) Ltd.'s `Kana Kandaen' (U/A) a film worth a watch. K. V. Anand who has won national recognition as cinematographer, takes up the responsibility of screenplay and direction for the first time and acquits himself appreciably on both fronts.
Student vs. mafia
Anand juxtaposes the lives of two intelligent young men — one honest and playing by the rules and the other, absolutely mercenary and ruthlesswith a few commercial frills. Bhaskar (Srikanth) and Archana (Gopika) are childhood friends, whom circumstances lead to wedlock. So it is more of romance after marriage.
A university student working for his doctorate, Bhaskar finds an economically viable way to desalinate seawater and solve the city's water crisis. Business sharks want to get the formula from Bhaskar but the idealistic young man has other straightforward plans. Simultaneously, the atrocities of the money lending mafia are graphically showcased.
The chemistry between Srikanth and Gopika that emanates on screen should make the two a hit pair. Srikanth's performing skills gain sheen in `Kana Kandaen.' The role offers Srikanth scope to portray a gamut of emotions, which he underplays in apt, spontaneous style. The unkempt hair makes him look every inch a budding scientist.
Gopika brings a lot of freshness to `Kana ... ' Dignified and smart, her potential should earn a successful innings for her. But why does she have to be shown as being less intelligent and impulsive? The logic behind some of her reckless acts is confusing.
Suave and stylish, Prithviraj (from Kerala) makes an instant impression and his skilled acting sustains it. If you can ignore the entendres, Vivek's pranks as a Doordarshan staffer evoke healthy laughter. Her part may be minuscule but Vanitha Krishnachandran does enough justice.
Melody
Vidyasagar's melody (the Srinivas-Kalyani number) is a treat for the connoisseur. While cinematographer Soundararajan's frames are aesthetic and Maniraj's art enhances the impact, K. V. Anand's narration reveals class. The story (Shuba) is strong, the screenplay is taut and the lead actors do a neat job. What more can you ask for?
Kana Kandaen
Genre: Thriller
The cast: Srikanth, Prithviraj, Gopika
The director: K. V. Anand
The storyline: An educated young man is drawn into the dragnet of ruthless moneylenders .
The bottom line: Check it out, learn a lesson or two!
MALATHI RANGARAJAN
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Entertainment
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
