Movie review 'Ondu Motteya Kathe': Annavaru in an egg'cellent tale
Director: Raj B. Shetty
Cast: Dr Rajkumar, Raj B Shetty, Shailashri, Usha Bhandari, Shreya Anchan, Prakash Tuminadu, Amrutha Naik, Vineeth, Rahul Amin, Deepak Rai Panaje and Ramdas
Rating: 4 stars
Those of you who have been anticipating Kannada thespian the late Dr Rajkumar’s role in Ondu Motteya Kathe need not wait any longer! The title which means the story of an egg, brings forth the legend of Annavaru in an inspiring role through portraits, movie posters, scenes and songs featuring him smack bang in the middle throughout this humourous yet sensible Kannada release since the multiple award-winning movie Thithi.
Apart from Dr Rajkumar’s inspiring presence, this ‘egg’ has apt and simple ingredients which makes for an impressive tale. Debutant Raj Shetty, plays a major role in this film, both as writer, director and lead actor in a his bald avatar. He is undoubtedly the heart and soul of a realistic script and looks the part on the big screen, with a sensibility in his portrayal. The humour is witty, tickles the funny bone, thanks to its core subject.
Janardhan, 28, is a Kannada lecturer by profession. His only worry is his baldness due to which he is still a bachelor. According to his horoscope, if he remains unmarried beyond 29 years of age, he could embrace the path of sainthood! The situation turns desperate and Janardhan decides to take matters in his own hands. In search of a perfect life partner, his first choice is a colleague, an Economics lecturer. He somehow manages to strengthen bonds with her, with a little help/guidance from a college peon. When he finally decides to propose, a handsome English teacher (not bald!) makes a grand entry, leaving him forlorn. In between, Janardhan’s bald escapades are several ribtickling moments that are the other fun highlights of the film.
In the second half, the heartbroken bald Kannada teacher decides to overcome physical desire. But his quest is short-lived after a strange and beautiful girl comes into his life. Shreya Aanchan essays the role to perfection, making the audience fall in love with her deceptive character. Even this love story ends on a sad note. Janardhan finally loses hope, and here, Jaanu, his college classmate enters the plot. She is a bit overweight and they meet, riding on high expectations, and when they realise that they are not meant for each other, the tale takes a serious turn — Jaanu falls in love with Janardhan, who is unhappy at the course of events.
Raj B. Shetty essays Janardhan’s role in one of the best and realistic performances in the recent past. The attention to detail and supporting roles are an added attraction. The yolk or essence of this egg is about inherent beauty where bald is beautiful, fat is adorable and any physical flaw seems immaterial if one has the heart to identify real beauty. Do not miss this tale of an egg. It makes you fall in love, laugh, cry and most of all, it makes you realise the most beautiful truth about life. It even has the stamp of association from the director of Lucia and the producers of U-Turn.
