Prema Baraha movie review: 1-1/2 reasons to watch it

Cast: Chandan, Aishwarya Arjun, Suhasini, Rangayana Raghu, Sadhu Kokila and Kuri Prathap
Director: Arjun Sarja
Rating: 1.5 stars

Through the years, there have been some evergreen tunes and magical compositions which live on forever, having made many fall in love with their tunes. One such song is undoubtedly Prema Baraha... which has been penned and composed by the genius Hamsalekha and filmed with popular actors Arjun Sarja and Sudharani. So it was but apt that when Arjun Sarja decided to launch his daughter Aishwarya Arjun, the song would return with a purpose!

This film is the debut of the pretty Aishwarya Arjun, and she does leave an impression with her impeccable dancing skills. Turning a popular song into a title dearly connected to him, Arjun Sarja packs the story with a love story in the time of war! Yes, a war — the Kargil War. Even though it comes loaded with deadly ammunition — love and patriotism, Prema Baraha is the classic case of missing the target by kilometers, not just inches! It also sets new standards in ‘reel journalism.’

Two journalists working at two news channels are the focal point of this tale. Even before the drama of war begins, it starts with a silly plot where they dislike each other, but there is (of course) gradual attraction. But the girl gets engaged to another guy. If this follows the lines of the cliched filmi formula, wait for the war to start!

Set during the Kargil War, two journalists head to the war zone to report in a manner never seen before on Indian cinema! With the ‘brilliance’ of Chandan’s acting skills, and his chiselled gym body at work, his character of a TV journalist is simply ‘unbelievable’. Literally! Circumstances tailor the two being left with no option but to rely on each other for professional purposes. Then comes the lovely twist — right in the middle of the war zone, with all kinds of missiles being shot towards them by enemies.

At times, filmmakers tend to go overboard with their concept of cinematic liberty. In this instance, our hero manages to unravel the criminal side of a politician, and it is appreciated by none other a judge! To be more precise, a judge telephones a TV media chief and conveys his appreciation. Now, that’s a straight hit with no chance of survival for any sane film watcher. Rest aside, the film is a long drawn with hardly any respite to overcome its unreal onslaught.

Unfortunately, the brilliant Arjun Sarja falls short in deploying the right forces in this one as the ammunition used for this mission seems faulty. He simply misses the target. Aishwarya, though, wins the hearts of many with her dancing. Better to watch the video of the song Prema Baraha to your heart’s content than engage in this needless war!