Director: AMR Ramesh
Cast: Arjun, Shaam, Maisha Koirala
AMR Ramesh is known for riveting thrillers based on real life incidents like Kuppi on Rajiv Gandhi killers and Vana Yuddham on slain forest brigand Veerappan. His present offering Oru Melliya Kodu though was rumored on the mysterious death of Sunanda Pushkar, wife of high profile politician Sashi Taroor, it has no semblance with the true life incidents. On the other hand it is a murder mystery based on the accredited Spanish film The Body and Ramesh has already released its Kannada version a few months ago.
Thankfully, Ramesh has not deviated much from the main plot and weaved an intriguing screenplay. The story starts on a rainy night when the security guard of a mortuary running for his life from a speedy vehicle which eventually hits him and he slips into coma. Around the same time, the dead body of Maya (Manisha Koirala) a rich and famous entrepreneur disappears from the morgue. Police officer (Arjun) is summoned to investigate the case. Though chief doctor (Seetha) suggests that there could be a possibility of Maya escaping death due to a rare medical condition, the cop suspects her young husband (Shaam) of committing murder as well as stealing the body in order to usurp her huge wealth. And, there's this young lover (Aksha Bhat) of the victim's husband who urges the latter to marry him.
Is Maya still alive? Does the police officer solve the mystery?
Most part of film has been shot within a specially erected sets of a forensic lab. With a taut screenplay, the director is able to maintain the atmosphere of suspense and tension throughout. With reasonable twists and turns, the movie ends with a message on drunken driving.
A cop's role is a cakewalk for Arjun and here it is sans action but demands subtle yet powerful acting. And he does his stylish avatar with assured elan. Shaam looks suave and given a convincing portrayal in a meaty role. Though Manisha is cast aptly as the rich middle aged woman who marries a man much younger to her age, wish she could have performed well too. Ramesh who has taken an actor avatar provides an effective foil to Arjun. Ilayaraja's songs are just functional while his rerecording serves the purpose for a thriller. The film needs trimming as it tends to lag in flashback portions involving Shaam and Manisha. Despite few glitches, OMK is worth a watch for its gripping making.
