Movie: Old Monk
Cast: MG Srinivas, Aditi Prabhudeva, S Narayan, Sihikahi Chandru, Sujay Shastry, Dr Rajesh, Aruna Balaraj.
Direction: MG Srinivas
Cinematography: Bharath Parashuram
Music: Saurabh-Vaibhav
Editing: Deepu S Kumar
Producers: Pradeep Sharma, Srujan Yarabolu, Saurabh-Vaibhav
Duration: 131.56 minutes
Rating: 3.5/5
Release Date: Feb. 25, 2022
Old Monk reminds one of the favorite liquor brands for most of the people who are fond of liquor. How the Old Monk guarantees a kick after consuming it, this movie promises the much needed relief to those who watch on the silver screen.
Let us analyse
The movie begins with the director's imaginary heaven and equally imaginary Lord Kirshna, Rukmini and sage Narada. As expected, sage Narada tries his best to make Rukmini quarrel with Lord Krishna. Angered by Narada’s interference, Lord Krishna curses Narada saying that Sambhavami Yuge Yuge, Priti Prema Hoge Hoge. Lord Krishna curses sage Narada to be born as a human on the earth. He also tells Narada that he can come back to heaven only after falling in love with a beautiful girl on the earth.
As cursed by Lord Krishna, Narada is born as a son to a couple (S Narayan and Aruna Balaraj). He is named as Appanna (Srini). He gets a job at a software company as a human resources manager. He ensures photographs of only Ganesh and Hanuman in the office. He does not allow employees to fall in love with their female colleagues.
Meanwhile, he happens to meet Abhigna (Aditi Prabhudeva) at an old age home. He falls in love with her. He is all set to marry Abhigna but his classmate Shankar Radhakrishna enters the scene. Will Appanna marry Abhigna? What happens to Lord Krishna’s curse is the crux of the climax.
Artistes’ performance
Srini, who has handled the megaphone and screenplay apart from playing the lead role, walks away with all honours for his sterling performance. He has managed multiple responsibilities with aplomb. His dialogue delivery and body language deserve appreciation.
Aditi Prabhudeva has acted well. She looks beautiful. Her dance is very good in the song – Gichcha Gili Gili. Sihi Kahi Chandru and director-cum-artiste S Narayan have provided very good support. Aruna Balaraj too acted well. Sujay Shastry, as a hardcore fan of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, has provided a good support.
Highlights
Srini, Aditi Prabhudeva, S Narayan, Sihi Kahi Chandru.
Drawbacks
There are not many stunt scenes for those who crave action sequences. Srini should have given a little bit extra importance to his make-up.
Analysis
It is a quite different movie among Kannada movies released in the recent past. It does not promise great entertainment but ensures the movie buffs go home with full satisfaction after watching it. Most of the scenes, especially the scene of swayamvara for senior citizens, make those watching it have a hearty laugh.
Bottomline: It is worth watching for those who crave comedy.