Friday Jul 11 2008, Bangalore

Did 'Cyanide' Ramesh direct 'Minchina Ota'?

Directed by - A M R Ramesh

Produced by - Sa Ra Govindu

Music by - V Manohar

Casts - Vijay Raghavendra, Murali, Lakshmi Rai, Suman, Rangayana Raghu, Umashri.

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The first thing that comes to one's mind when one hears the title 'Minchina Ota', is the scenes of the classic film with the same title directed by late Shankar Nag.If by chance, you enter the theatre thinking that this 'Minchina Ota' is a remake or inspired by the original 'Minchina Ota', then you are in for a shock.This one is not even remotely connected with the old film.And then, it’s really horrible! The old  'Minchina Ota'  related the story of three conmen and their attempts to settle down in life.This 'Minchina Ota' tells the story of two foes turning friends.

Wanna hear the story further? Here it is.Vijay (Vijay Raghavendra) is a son of a rich businessman while Bhadra (Murali) is the son of a mechanic living in a slum opposite to Vijay's apartment.Lakshmi Rai (Lakshmi Rai) from Mangalore comes to one of the apartments (her aunt's house).As time passes Vijay falls for Lakshmi but Lakshmi is in love with Bhadra.The enmity widens and Vijay informs Lakshmi's brother a don in Mangalore about Lakshmi and Bhadra's love story.

Lakshmi's brother takes her back with him to Mangalore and arranges her marriage with a minister's son.A contrite Vijay understands his mistake and helps Bhadra to win over his girl.They travel to Mangalore to stop the marriage but fate has other things for them.The don's accomplices try to prevent them from coming to Mangalore.What happens next? Watch it if you have patience.

First of all 'Minchina Ota' has nothing new to offer except some chasing scenes in the climax of the film.The credit goes to cameraman Rajan and stunt director Jolly Bastin for giving some nice chasing sequences.Apart from a few chasing scenes the film has an ordinary story, an ordinary script, and mediocre narration.One really suspects if this film is directed by A M R Ramesh.Performance: Vijay Raghavendra wins the applause.

Murali's performance is dull.Lakshmi Rai is beautiful but don't expect much from her.Rangayana Raghu, Umashri's supposed to be emotional scenes, turn out to be comic sequences.Suman, Rahul Dev are wooden.It’s better not to mention about V Manohar's music.

The last question that comes to one's mind after seeing the film is: is this the film directed by A M R Ramesh who once did a film like 'Cyanide'?