Premier Padmini movie review: Sensibly real

Director: Ramesh Indira

Cast: Jaggesh, Madhoo, Ramesh Indira, Pramod Panju, Sudharani, Vivek Simha, Hita Chandrashekar & others

For ages, various forms of art has been primarily viewed as reflection of what exists in real life. Amongst them, motion pictures enjoys the privilege of showcasing realities along with the work of fiction, most of which are meant to entertain the audience. On the similar lines, here is a movie which serves its purpose through brilliantly etched characters, and hence ‘Premier Padmini’ marks as one of the most sensible movie in Kannada to hit the screens in the recent past.

Honest writing apart from sticking to ‘reel basics’, has resulted in sheer excellence. It is coupled with outstanding performances, right from Jaggesh, who is known for his versatility to the rest of the cast especially Pramod Panju as a personal driver.

On the outset, it is the troubled relationships which drives this ‘vehicle of life’. In the driver's seat, it is Vinayaka (Jaggesh), a middle aged person, is facing a personal crisis whose marriage is on the brinks of divorce. Whereas, his wife (Madhoo) who has compatible issues with Vinayaka, is eager to start a new life with her new found wealthy partner.

On the other side, a young couple grow closer to each other. In between, a woman who cares for Vinayaka, a neighbour of his keeps things interesting. The crux of it is the cluster of relationships and the harsh realities it comes attached with anticipation and expectations.

The reel beauty of this tale lies in its wonderfully written script, the crisp editing and apt dialogues which elevates the essence of what it intends to focus on - life. Every character has its own relevance and they are well poised, and also justify their stand from their own perspective. There are no antagonists as such but it is referred through circumstances which lead to personal chaos.  

Amongst the most intelligent depiction is that of the character of a daughter on how she deals with her life after being physically abused by her own father! Her character rightly says in the movie that bad memories are like ‘dead bodies’, which needs to be buried or burnt rather than carrying them all along. Life moves on, and so is this sensible tale which certainly moves the audience in the end.