Movies: Hrudaya Kaleyam
Rating: 3/5
Banner: Amrutha Productions, V S S Creations
Cast: Sampoornesh Babu, Kavya Kumar, Ishiqa Singh and Others
Editor: Karthik Srinivas
Cinematographer: Chiranjeevi
Music: R.K
Story, Producer and Direction: Steven Shankar (Sai Rajesh)
Release Date: Apr 4th, 2014
Sam Anderson and ‘Power Star’ Srinivasan are very popular among Tamil audience. Despite not having anything that makes a quintessential hero, their comic capers keep the audience in splits. The director of Hrudaya Kaleyam Steven Shankar has figured out one such ‘comedy item number’ called Sampoornesh Babu. With one still, Sampoornesh Babu turned out to be super popular with all net surfers. Even Sampu as he is lovingly called could not have anticipated his success.
The director retains all the elements of a commercial film and evokes oodles of unintentional comedy. Though the film is not a spoof of any film, the director has stretched the comic elements to the extent possible.
So What's the Story?
Thief Sampoornesh Babu alias Sampu wrecks havoc in the city and the police have a tough time chasing him. They fail many a time and finally manage to find his address and corner him. Just when they are about to arrest him, they find a shocking news about him. What’s that?
Artistes’ Performance:
As mentioned earlier, Sampoornesh is a unique comedy piece with short stature and weird hairdo. When asked ‘Who are you?’ he replies, ‘Hero’. No matter what he does, it is all very funny and tickles you to the core. His crazy dialogues, silly dances, his emoting during highly emotional scenes make the audience laugh and thoroughly enjoy the film.
However, it’s up to him to make sure that his popularity continues and he has a long innings in the industry. Also, since his brand of comedy might get boring if overdone, he has to make sure that he gives it in right doses at the right time.
Coming back to the film, it’s not just Sampoo who ham acts his way into audience’s hearts. The entire cast is full of bad actors and all of them overdo their bit. But they irritate you to the core. Heroine Kaavya puts in an equally bad performance as does the short guy who plays the cop.
Technical Performance:
Barring the title song, none of the songs are good. But the director shows his talent in picturising them. He does not let go of any opportunity to go overboard in each and every frame.
Despite being a low budget film, the cinematography is commendable. One cannot talk of technical excellence in terms of Hrudaya Kaaleyam. A lot of elements remind you of the techniques used in television serials and short films.
Specific mention need not be made of the director’s sarcasm as the film is dripping with it. The dialogues are in keeping with the film’s spirit and they are a major asset to the film.
He uses Sampoornesh to the optimum and gets him to do exactly what he wants. While there is lots of comedy in the first half, in the second half, the director outdoes himself.
Highlights:
- Sampoornesh
- Dialogues
Drawbacks:
- Director goes overboard in second half
- Comedy Peaks During Climax
Analysis:
Hrudaya Kaaleyam is not for the average viewer. One has to be prepared before watching the film. One has to first check out the hero and his style of comedy before going for the movie. Otherwise, watching this unique comedy item on screen among audience who guffaw at his comic capers might leave you wondering where you are.
The whole movie revolves around Sampoo who has been a huge hit on social networking sites. Little wonder that the film had huge response in multiplexes on the very first day. But one must not take the hero seriously if one is to enjoy the film. However, it would be interesting to see how those who are not active on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube would react and respond to the film.
The film in fact introduces a new genre of film to the Telugu audience. The director however achieves what he set out to achieve despite taking a huge risk by banking on Sampoo.
As mentioned above, the director goes totally berserk in the second half. There are scenes showing the making of a computer from leaf juices, the making of an artificial heart, the hero walking out from his pyre… Now, while they might leave Sampoo’s fans in splits, it also shows the desperation of the director in reaching out to his fans. Had he covered these loopholes, the film would have rocked.
Well, if you are prepared for some whacky comedy, then this film is for you.
Bottomline: One of it’s kind comedy.
(Venkat can be reached at [email protected] or https://twitter.com/greatandhranews)
