Despite grey skies, a tense election season and rather gloomy films over the past few weeks, actors Sharan and Chikkanna, along with Ashika Ranganath, have managed to bring in a bit of much-needed laughter to theatres this month. Raambo 2, directed by Anil Kumar, will definitely leave you in splits.
Director: Anil Kumar
Cast: Sharan, Chikkanna, Ashika Ranganath, Kuri Prathap, Sadhu Kokila
The film revolves around Krishna (Sharan), who is always craving something new in life. So much so that he makes his parents hop from one place to another, and finally lands in Goa. A staunch devotee of lord Ganesha (voiceover for the animated character is provided by actor Ganesh), he meets Mayuri (Ashika Ranganath) just when he is looking for a life companion. She is an easy-going girl from a middle-class family, who is ready to go on a road trip with Krishna. To ensure she’s safe, she gets DJ (Chikkanna) to go along with them. Just as their friendship starts blossoming into love, they realise that they are being followed by another car. Who is following them? Who are they after? While Krishna points fingers at Mayuri and DJ, it is revealed that he is, in fact, the target. The reason why this person is following Krishna forms the rest of the plot, which is filled with twists and turns.
Comedy that doesn’t turn vulgar at any point is what makes Raambo 2 even more enjoyable. However, don’t look for logic in this film. The dialogues (written by the director) connect well with the audience, especially since the right kind of cast delivers them.
Loyal followers of Sharan and Chikkanna will definitely enjoy this one. Sharan, though he plays the lead, gives space and opportunity for other characters to shine. Ashika manages to play the ‘simple girl’ role well, and the film has brought out her acting and dance skills, making her an actor to watch out for. Chikkanna is at his usual best, with the mix of English and Kannada dialogues reserved for him. Sadhu Kokila and Kuri Pratap are in their element, with their signature humour. One particular ‘horn’ dialogue, though repeated often by Pratap, makes us laugh every time.
Last but not least, Ravi Shankar, with his ability to anger people and melt hearts at the same time, is the soul of Raambo 2. His versatility shines through in each shot. Even supporting actors such as Tabla Nani add value to the film in their own ways. The car sequences are also worth mentioning, as the vehicles become important characters, while Ganesh’s voice adds charm.
With the perfect background score by Arjun Janya, and an excellent mix of songs, including Dumm Maro Dumm (a special song featuring Aindrita Ray) Yavva Yavva, Chuttu Chuttu, Elli Kaan Ellikaaneno with Bit Hogabeda, the music in the film is a winner. Cinematography by Sudhakar S Raj is classy, and captures Goa’s beauty.
Charlie Chaplin’s famous line ‘A day without laughter is a day wasted’, has been used in the film; you certainly would not be wasting your day if you go and watch this film.