Naragundha Bandaya Movie Review: A biopic that is only good in parts

Naragundha Bandaya Movie Review: A biopic that is only good in parts

While it is an honest attempt, one does not feel the intensity in this Nagendra Magadi directorial
Rating:(2 / 5)

Naragundha Bandaya is based on the tragedy faced by the farmers in Naragund and Navalgund, and depicts the revolt that took place in 1980. It traces the journey of Veerappa Basappa Kadlikoppa, and how he was shot dead in one of the biggest riots that took place in Karnataka.

Cast: Raksh, Shubha Poonja, Avinash, Sadhu Kokila
Director: Nagendra Magadi
Producer: Shekar Yaluvigi and Siddhesh Viratamatha

Sadly, the profoundness in his life is captured only in the last 40 minutes of the film, which otherwise focuses on being a love drama between Veerappa Basappa Kadlikoppa (Raksha), a farmer, and Rani (Shubha Poonja). Along with romance, these portions are also sprinkled with family elements, emotions, and action.

In parallel, Veera triggers a revolt against the state government over the imposition of tax on farmers by the union government. Other farmers join in and the situation turns violent. Veera is shot by the police, and the farmers, in turn, create a ruckus and turn the whole area into a battlefield. It also leads to the fall of the government.

While Naragundha Bandaya is an honest attempt, one does not feel the intensity in this Nagendra Magadi directorial. The love episode between Veera and Rani is lengthy and repetitive.

On the performance front, Raksh is convincing in his debut film. He has brought his theatre experience to the big screen. Shubha shows good potential and plays her character with complete sincerity. The rest of the actors lend good support. However, a couple of romantic songs, which mainly is used for the glam quotient, do not gel with the biopic. Cinematographer R Giri has done a fair job with his frames.

Overall, Naragundha Bandaya is good in parts. One can watch the last bit of the film to know more about Veerappa Basappa Kadlikoppa.

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