Paddehuli movie review: Unlike other 'starry' debut

Director: Guru Deshpande

Cast: Shreyas, Ravichandran, Sudharani, Nishvika Naidu, Chikkanna, Amit Vishwanath, Dharmanna Kadur.

Everytime a son or daughter of a popular film personality makes his debut on the silver screen, the general aura is all about that one person and not the film. From the day one of its launch to the release date and beyond, the  focus rests on whether he or she can meet the expectations and all the hype created around the grand debut. Hence, many such ventures  fails miserably for lack of substance and soul. However, Paddehuli is an exception to it, as its makers treat it like any other honest attempt  than running it around the debutant, creating an instant star on his/her first outing.

Having said that it is an unusual starry launch, director Guru Deshpande of the fame of Rajahuli fame has left no stone unturned when it comes to necessary ingredients for a commercial entertainer. It caters to both mass and the class audience with a youthful subject revolving around the tale of an aspiring musician played by the first timer Shreyas, son of noted Kannada producer K Manju.

The first part of the movie which is set in Chitradurga, for a reason, is mostly about introducing characters along with the usual humour and songs. From school to college, the drama is laced with ambition, romance and struggle to fulfill one's dreams against all odds.

Despite all of it, the patchy beginning starts to lag until it takes a serious note when the protagonist, who ever since his childhood aspired to become a musician, goes on an year journey to reach his destination.

It is the blend of Kannada literature and its rich folklore put to best use through music leaves a good impression in the end. The duration is one of the main concern especially the initial hiccups which may test one's patience. But, the second half sails smooth as it hits the stage where the protagonist faces harsh realities in life.

Crazy Star V Ravichandran as father is of a practical mindset and deals carefully the ambition of his son. In between, the romance part of it also serves as an important message for aspiring youngsters. Music comes with a different note as the lyrics are taken from the Kannada poems, vachanas and even janapada.

With regard to his performance, Shreyas scores well when compared to recent debutants. Also, the fans of power star Puneeth Rajkumar and Rakshit Shetty will have something to cheer for in Paddehuli, which roars in parts with best support cast including a sensible musical tale.