Operation Alamelamma: This operation is a gripping delight

It is the best of all trades to write stories, but even better is making them come alive. And in director Suni, there exists a writer, and there exists a filmmaker, too, a combination that can produce films which are notable for their exaggeration-free honesty. With Operation Alamelamma, Suni churns out a story that's dense with suspense, insulated cleverly with comic relief, and neatly laced with romance and snappy dialogues.

The story is about Purmy (Rishi), an orphan working as a vegetable vendor. Fascinated by big brands, but lacking any resource to own them, his pursuit of high-end labels lands him in a kidnap case. Incidentally, these turn of events happen when his wedding has been fixed with a school teacher, Ananya (Shraddha Srinath). Whether Purmy will prove his innocence and get away from the clutches of the police forms the rest of the plot.

Cast: Rishi, Shraddha Srinath, Rajesh Nataranga, Vijeth Gowda, Karthik
Director: Suni

With limited characters, Suni not only builds the excitement following the kidnapping episode, but balances the narrative by exploring relationships too. He should be applauded for keeping the suspense intact, without giving a clue to the audience. The only flaw is the huge time-span allotted to the search for the gang of kidnappers. A few scenes dropped and a tweaked narration would have made for a crisp story.

Even with his lean frame, Rishi, who makes his debut with the film, effortlessly fills the screen with his character. He is definitely a promising talent. Shraddha’s choice is flawless and she ably supports the film, though we wish she was given more screen time in the second half. Rajesh Nataranga along with Aruna Balraj, Vijeth Gowda, Pranaya Murthy, Sumukha and Karthik shine as the supporting cast.

Juday Sandy’s music goes well with the mood of the film, as does Abhishek Kasargod’s well-crafted cinematography. If you enjoy the thrills of a suspense story along with comedy and romance, go for this ‘operation’.