Movie Review - Kathanayakudu

The release of Kathanayakudu which is a remake of Katha Pariyambol, a super hit Malayalam film has been aptly timed. The film which is a rehash of the mythological story of two friends Lord Krishna and Kuchelan comes alive on the silver screen with Rajinikant and his co-star Jagapati Babu sweeping the audiences off their feet with some real and tangible performances. Balakrishna (Jagapati Babu) and Meena live in abject poverty with their three children in a village. Despite a hand to mouth existence, their home becomes a haven as the family is grounded in values and principles. Balakrishna is a barber and still uses obsolete tools to work while his neighbours far more smarter move ahead in life. His life suddenly changes when his childhood friend Ashok Kumar returns to his village as a matinee idol to shoot his new film. While the entire village is euphoric and struggles to get the actor’s attention, Balu is placed in a piquant situation. He is wooed, compelled by his folks for that one meeting but he doesn’t relent.

What happens next is an obvious development but one needs to see the way the director explores the raw emotions of the characters, their bond, the poignant moments and a camaraderie the drama arouses that only bosom buddies share. There is also a climax that leaves you teary eyed. Vasu uses a thin story line and skillfully narrates the story, uses situations that one would connect in real life. Jagapati Babu is the heart of the film and he makes the audience emotionally involved with his story from the very start. It’s hard to imagine anyone else other than Rajinikant for the film star’s role. Meena comes back after a long time to the big screen and she still retains the same innocence and adds spark and verve to the story. Sunil is loud at times but gets a meaty role. It is a clean, entertaining movie. Watch it with a friend or watch it alone, it can be inspiring, uplifting experience and a bracing and beautiful change from so many of the films of the past several years….