Dhwaja Review: Only an imitation of Kodi

The film has nothing original and leaves a sour impression about the makers as it seems like it was made only to cash in on the elections that are around the corner
Dhwaja Review: Only an imitation of Kodi

Director and cinematographer Ashok Cashyap completely replicates Dhanush's Tamil hit, Kodi, in Dhwaja to the point where even postures and expressions of the actors in the original film are copied. It is safe to say that Ashok has not used an iota of creativity in the film. Other than being a timely release, with Karnataka going to the polls, the political thriller has nothing going for it. It fails to come into its own, remaining a mere shadow of the original, written and directed by RS Durai Senthilkumar.

Director: Ashok Cashyap 
Cast: Ravi, Priyamani, Table Nani

Reprising the lead roles played by Dhanush and Trisha are Ravi Gowda and Priyamani. It is a childhood dream for both Dhwaja (Ravi Gowda) and Ramya (Priyamani) to get into politics. While the two are in a relationship, their political ambitions place them in opposite parties. To what extent do they go to get into power and after all the struggle to reach the top, will he or she be able to sustain the chair? And what is the role of Dhwaja’s twin brother Janardhan aka Jana in the film? All this forms a revenge tale, with a twisted climax.

With no additional effort to add a local flavour to the script, it is just the acting department, especially Priyamani who lends an individual touch. She steals the show with her powerful acting, nailing her character. 

Newcomer Ravi, who plays a double role, tries to imitate Dhanush’s style while also adding an extra shade to the original character. It would however be better for Ravi to find his own style and feet in the long run. Divya Urduga, who plays the love interest of the twin brother, has justified her role. Veena Sunder as the mother, Sundar Raj and Tabla Nani lend good support.

Music directors Santhosh Narayan and Chinna, as well as director Ashok, who is also the film’s cinematographer have taken a lot of cues from the original.

Although a story like Dhwaja is universal, the film having nothing original leaves a sour impression about the makers. It seems like the film was made only to cash in on the elections that are around the corner. 

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