Movie review 'Aatagara': A mysterious entertainer

Director: K M Chaitanya

Cast: Anant Nag, Chiranjeevi Sarja, Meghana Raj, Parul Yadav, Prakash Belawadi, Anu Prabhakar, Sadhu Kokila, Pavana, Balaji Manohar, Achyuta Kumar, Ravi Shankar

Rating: 3.5 stars

Any similarities between these English movies — The Most Dangerous Game (1932), And Then There Were None (1945) which was released in the UK as Ten Little Niggers, Bloodlust (1961) and scores of such movies, and Aaatagara which is the 49^th  venture of Sandalwood’s prestigious production house Dwarkish Chitra? The answer would be quite a few and the most prominent being the plot which involves an isolated island on which few characters compete each other for moolah!

However, after having said that Aatagara could be an inspiration from decades old classics, it has it own rules with a brilliantly scripted movie of an entertaining ‘game’ added with good suspense and most of all, it locks up the curiosity level right till the end. This one is laced with reality show as the peg in the plot. Fortunately with just one song, the plot thickens with all the ten contestants chosen for the game. With no time, contestants from various fields reach the island, and there only communication with the outer world being the telephone line which connects the reality show organisers and a TV which telecasts only the ongoing reality show.

Away from the usual love, sentimental, drama genre films, Chaitanya has worked out on a tremendous storyline and the presentation through the characters makes it more enjoyable with the veteran actor Anant Nag portraying a special guest appearance is simple unmatchable. His thirst and passion towards acting is unquenchable as ever. Credit also goes to the production house which is presently more or less managed by Yogesh Dwarkish, son of veteran actor-producer Dwarkish, for picking up a daring subject and then handling it well. A booster for Chiranjeevi Sarja, Meghana does it with ease, Parul at are sumptuous best, Sadhu with a comedy kicker, this one is definitely a good watch for the season.   

Insofar as the plot, of the ten four are suddenly found killed in mysterious circumstances. Soon they realise, the real intention behind the game they have embroiled in it. So who is behind the killings and why, and will anyone survive? Without spoiling the real fun in this revenge game, a highly recommended one for a thrilling experience.