The family drama genre has been tried and tested in every which way possible by almost every director in the Kannada industry. However, the Viraaj team had promised an interesting family drama with newbies and a bunch of veteran actors. But does the film live up to this promise?
Newcomer Viraaj (Vidyabharan) is the grandson of Devaraj (veteran superstar), a kind heartened man who is always available for the service of the poor and needy. Viraaj is often introduced as ‘He is Raj- Viraaj’ with a lot of unnecessary buildup. He is brought up on traditional values from his childhood – thanks to grandpa Devaraj. He also happens to be Devraj’s right-hand man, who takes care of the villagers like his family, ensuring that thugs are beaten up left, right and centre when they try to interfere in the villagers’ business.
Everything goes well until Nandini (Shirin Kanchwala), an NRI woman, arrives in the village. Sparks fly between our hero and the heroine and the duo decides to get married. But, when Nandini’s parents arrive for the wedding, everything changes. Who are they and why does Devaraj call off the wedding at the last minute, takes us towards a dramatic climax.
The story is ‘same old’. However, the emotional scenes are artfully depicted through a decent screenplay - all thanks to Devaraj. Having said that, the movie is very predictable from the first scene itself, making one yawn throughout the film. Also, at times, the story loses touch with reasoning and offers no closure. Characters and incidents change in seconds and simply exit the narrative abruptly. Then there are moments when emotions run dry and the reasons feel flimsy.
The central theme of the film – the love story – is very pale. Vidhyabharan needs to work on his expressions. For a newbie, he is good in a few scenes but there is still a long way to go before he establishes himself as an actor. Shirin has nothing much to do except look glamorous. Her acting skills are absolute zero. The couple dance is an eyesore. Devaraj, Jai Jagadish and Vinaya Prasad are absolute showstoppers. They overshadow the lead pair in almost all the scenes. Devaraj, always dressed in silk attire (synonymous to royalty, we presume) and with his blood-shot eyes, carries the film on his shoulders. It is good to see Tennis Krishna back on screen, but the jokes could have been better. Kaddipudi Chandru and Ugramm Manju deserve special mention for their performance.
Director Nagesh Naradasi’s attempt narrate a family drama set in the village is appreciable, but the film offers nothing new. Tight editing may have saved the movie. Subash Anand’s songs and background music are just about average and there isn’t a single scene that can grab attention or stay in the minds of the audience. Subject yourself to this family drama, with some fair warning if you are a hardcore fan of the genre.
Disclaimer: This review was not paid for or commissioned by anyone associated with the film. Neither TNM nor any of its reviewers have any sort of business relationship with the film's producers or any other members of its cast and crew.