Ishtakamya movie review: Master 'class' on marriage

Director: Nagathihalli Chandrashekar
Cast: Vijay Surya, Mayuri, Kavya Shetty, Chikkanna, Rangayana Raghu, B Jayashree, Prakash Belawadi and Suman Nagarkar.

Films like 'Undu Hoda Kondu Hoda’, Kotreshi Kanasu’, 'America America’ and few more were a class apart from the critically acclaimed multi-dimensional writer and director Nagathihalli Chandrashekar. While he rightly banks upon the content of his films, he always has a reason for his comebacks - to deliver a message. With his typical set of formulas, this time the director has penned the screenplay based on a novel titled ‘Ishtakamya’.

It takes no extraordinary mind to predict that the story is centred around three main characters - Dr Akarsh (Vijay Surya), Acchari (Mayuri) and Aditi (Kavya Shetty). As it excessively talks about relationships, marriage, and so on, it needs a lot of patience, at least in the first half, to stay connected with what the director actually intends to showcase to his audience.
 
Set in the wonderful landscapes of Malnad region, Dr Akarsh is following his heart by running a small time hospital that was built by his grandfather. The story takes a twist with an accident, where the hero rams into a two-wheeler. This is where the pretty character Acchari come into play. Mayuri, who did a fabulous job in ‘Krishna-Leela’, continues to act her part well, matching the mind and characteristics of a vulnerable girl. As Dr Akarsh starts getting attracted towards Acchari, in 'some' time, the plot thickens with another lady coming into the picture. In meantime, the director carries on with his preaching, with the help of special characters.

The special characters played by Prakash Belawadi and Suman talk about live-in relationships. Who ever has dubbed the voice for Suman Nagarkar, was definitely in some sort of an 'emergency' to leave the recording room. Even the dubbed voice of Kavya Shetty sounded 'dramatic' with hardly any emotion playing into the character's role. The best part is the honest portrayal of characters by the lead artists. Kavya, is a beautiful treat to watch, whereas Chikkanna does his best again to he keep the humour 'going'. On the other side, there is also a tale of an old couple being looked after by a son with utmost dedication and love. Any guesses on the son’s name?

As the first half ends with a prolonged feeling, like that of any relationship which needs a bit patience to work things out, the second half gathers some pace after Aditi enters. She is the wife of Dr Akarsh! So, what’s cooking between Akarsh and Acchari? Who 'ends' up with whom?

Watch this film, if you are a fan of Nagathihalli films, or if you are finding it hard to save your marriage, or have anything related with marriage and relationships. Soothing sound tracks is one definite bonus. However, this film does have the typical end.