It is not very often these days
that you get a Kannada film that is out and out entertaining and stands up in
all departments of film making. Well, in the era of so called masala films,
entertainment can mean many things – cheap comedy, crude violence, loud music,
among others. But here is a film that entertains you by dint of the classic
performances of every character.
Director: Raj B. Shetty
Film Clip
Ondu Motteya Kathe (The story of an egg!) is a fresh breather in an
otherwise depressingly mediocre Kannada film industry. What makes the film
brilliant is the director’s efforts to stick to basics. And one requires a lot
of hard work and a lot of convincing to insist on basics. The basics here are
an extraordinary narration with not a dull moment, humour that is so realistic
and not to forget supreme performances by a cast that has been carefully chosen.
Added to this is the very simple storyline that challenges (or mocks) in all
its simplicity our obsession with outer beauty and appearance, even at the cost
of certain fundamental values and principles.
Janardhana (Raj B Shetty) is on the
look-out for a soul mate who can accept him as he is (along with his bald head,
of course). However, his search for such a girl gives a peep into the lives of
many a damsel, only to be disappointed about himself more than the girls. However,
he is ready to move on accepting his ordinary demeanour.
What stands out in the whole
narrative of the film is the message that life is much more than mere
appearances which can be deceptive. Real beauty of human being lies somewhere
deep inside which many a time one fails to explore, being enamoured by the
exteriors only. Raj B Shetty as the director and lead actor deserves adulation
for his passionate rendering through a film which has all the qualities of
becoming a cult classic in Kannada film industry.
- Melwyn Pinto SJ