Movie review ‘Paru w/o Devdas’: Namesake Devdas

Director: Kirangovi

Rating: **

Bengaluru: This one has nothing to do with the two iconic characters of Sarat Chandra’s Bengali novel - Devdas, which has been idolised on celluloid screen. The director, who gave films like Payana and Sanchari, is back after a while with a unique title claiming it to be a musical love story. However, there is very little to be thrilled about the movie as it moves on a snail pace embroiled with past events told through the lead female character.

A simple story of two who fall in love but do not express much because of their ego and a negative character, which separates them for a while, is the crux of the screenplay. About being a musical, Arjun Janya who has scored for this Devdas, has nothing spectacular about the songs barring few situational numbers plus the background.

The protagonist is an aspiring singer and whereas Paru (Soundarya Jayamala) is a Kathak dancer and an aspiring journalist. Devdas falls in love with Paru and his cousin Sukanya (Neha Patil), is his bridge to Paru’s love. Soon, a twist in the tale as Sukanya, who always had the desire to marry Devdas ‘propels’ them apart for while till they meet on rail journey. Even, as the journey almost reignites the love for each other, there comes another twist and they end up in middle of a troubled village which is notorious for honour killing. Wait a second, there is another twist at the end! Kitty does justice to his role but Soundarya’s acting needs a lot of polishing.