'Mani' film review - a film by Yogaraj Bhat having Radhika in the lead

In today's scenario where filmmakers are finding it difficult to survive even with starts of salable values, producer Karisubbu betted on new talents from direction to music to cinematography. What's more, film Mani introduces Mayur Patel (son of Madal Patel) to Kannada filmdom as a new hero. Director Yogaraj Bhat has done a phenomenally good job in his debut itself. Though the subject of the film is not unusual, the way its presented, the environment, cinematography, music and dedication of the entire team makes it look fresh and commanding.

One face of the film is based on the cruelty of obsequious male dominated society while the second face is about the blossoming love of two young hearts. Chami (Rangayana Raghu) cheats Shantakka (Umashri) who comes to city with big dreams of marrying Chami but pushed to prostitution by him. Gowri (Radhika), an orphan was brought up by Shantakka while another boy Kummi (Mayur) an orphan too was brought up by Dasanna (Kashi) - Umasri and Radhika in Mani

an auto driver. The way Shantakka struggle to mould her daughter's life, protect her from the hands of pimps, her affection, frustration, innocence of Gowri, Kummi's true love, corrupt police officers, brutal pimp Chami - every single frame of the film is so aptly done, you have to watch the film to experience it. Whether the two hearts come together? Will Shantakka be able to safeguard her daughter from brutal hands? etc form the story. As a matter of fact, it is Umashri who steals the show through her heartbreaking performance - as a mother, as a tutelar, as a sufferer. If you feel like smashing Chami for his inhuman behaviors, that is the perfection of Rangayana Raghu's acting!

Mayur and Radhika in Mani

Radhika is superb as an innocent girl while Mayur turned out as a promising hero in acting department. Raj has some interesting tunes to hum that is accompanied by cinematography by Jnanamurthy. Producer Karisubbu who has written the story also acted as a corrupt police officer. Avinash, a sincere police officer who values humanity wins viewer's heart. Jhansi, Nagashekar and Anand adds adequate comedy relief. Suri has penned very powerful dialogs, which may sound a little harsh and vulgar but the environment of the story demands such punchy lines for effectiveness. Rajesh Ramanath's background score adds additional value to it.

In a nutshell, Yojaran Bhat's Mani is a perfectly polished pearl that shines among the lot. Thanks to producer Karisubbu for introducing such wonderful team.

Direction and Screenplay: Yogaraj Bhat
Producer: Karisubbu
Music: Raj
Cinematography: Jnanamurthy
Cast: Mayur, Radhika, Umasri, Rangayana Raghu, Kashi, Karisubbu, Avinash, Nagshekar, Jhansi, Anand etc