'Thamassu' a stunning directorial debut(Kannada Film Review)

Film: 'Thamassu'; Director: Agni Sridhar; Shivaraj Kumar, Padmapriya, Harshitha Poonachcha, Nasser, Shobharaj and Jai Jagadish; Music: Sandeep Chowta; Rating: ***1/2

Writer and journalist Agni Sridhar makes a stunning impact with his directorial debut 'Thamassu', an unusual film in a commercial format. It has a contemporary theme and the narration is sure to touch your heart.

Looking at issues like growing religious intolerance and human rights, Sridhar has shown a lot of maturity in his work.

The filmmaker and his team should be complimented for highlighting the essence of human values and showcasing the dangers of communalism.

Sridhar's efforts are backed up by great performances by lead actor Shivaraj Kumar and Harshitha Poonachcha, who plays a Muslim girl traumatised by her brother's death.

Cameraman Sundaranath Suvarna's frames capture the film's mood very well. Another highlight is Sridhar's hard hitting dialogues. He has used many flashbacks also in the film.

But the movie does have some minor flaws. Though the first half is narrated in a brisker pace, the second half has some dragging elements. And the climax sequence could have been stronger.

In the story, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Shankar is a duty-bound officer, who goes to any length to punish the guilty. But his methods are not liked by his superiors and his wife, who is a doctor and a human rights activist.

Shankar is deputed for a tough assignment to control riots in Tannery Road in Bangalore where he is attacked by Hindu extremists and lands up in a Muslim family's house.

Shankar soon learns that he had killed Imran, the son of the Muslim with whom he is taking shelter, in a shootout.

Overcome by guilt, Shankar later wants to know whether Imran was really a terrorist. Shocked to know that he was misled, he becomes very close to Imran's family.

Shivaraj Kumar has given a brilliant performance and deserves accolades for accepting such a challenging role. Padmapriya has very little opportunity to showcase her talent, but gives her best nevertheless.

Harshitha is the pick of the lot and she can certainly be groomed into a good actress. Nasser has also given a touching performance.

Sandeep Chowta's background score is interesting but the song compositions are just average. The song picturisations too could have been better.

'Thamassu' may not have universal appeal but it still is a must watch.

Copyright  IANS

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