By V.S. Rajapur

Film: "Nammanna Don";
Cast: Ramesh Arvind, Mona Parasher, Santhini, Raju Thalikote, Neenasam Achyutha, M.S. Umesh, Rajendra, and Karanth;
Producer; Ravi Joshi;
Screenplay Writer-Director: Ramesh Arvind;
Composer: Mathews Manu;
Camera: Krishna Kumar;
Rating: ***

"Nammanna Don" is actor Ramesh Arvind's fifth directorial venture and it boasts of an interesting narrative, which unfolds through some interesting twists in the screenplay.

The actor-director, who received flak for his last film, has worked harder on the script to deliver a credible film.

Despite its predictability, "Nammanna Don" wins mainly because of its breezy narration. The film has space for both comedy and emotional sequences. All these elements have made "Nammanna Don" a sensible, touching yet entertaining flick with lots of humorous situations.

The packaging has made the film a winner all the way.

The emotional angle in the story talks about taking care of poor and needy children and it will surely tug at the heartstrings of viewers.

Ramesh has always excelled in directing slapstick comedies, but with "Nammanna Don" he treads a new path by choosing to convey a message to the viewers that inculcating human values is more important than accumulating wealth.

By using comedy elements, he has also tried to narrate the film in a convincing manner.

Coming to the flaws - a serious mistake is that the two dons, who are brothers and brought up together, speak in different Kannada accents. Another factor is that the night sequences look too dark.

In the film, Arjun, who works for a private hospital, gives more importance to human values and offers free treatment to needy and poor patients.

But for dean Malpani, his hospital is a money-making machine.

Tomboyish Moni, who loves Arjun, is in the habit of landing up in trouble by doing all the wrong things. Her brother, who works in another hospital, is jealous of Arjun's popularity.

Meanwhile, Moni tries to stop a don from hitting a policeman, but in the scuffle the don meets with an accident and dies. His brother is another don who is most feared in the entire city.

Many comical scenes follow the accident after which the dead body of the don lands up in Malpani's hospital. The younger don feels that his brother is not dead and is being treated in the hospital.

The ensuing confusions and how Arjun will cure all the children affected with heart ailments forms the rest of the story.

Ramesh infuses lot of energy into his role as Arjun and scores well in both comedy and sentimental sequences.

Raju Thalkote plays the role of the younger don to perfection. Rajendra Karanth effectively portrays his role. Mona Parasher impresses in her debut film, while Santhini fits into her role. Other veterans like Neenasam Achyutha and M.S. fit in their roles appropriately.

Mathews Manu's background score and Krishna Kumar's camera work is top class. The flash mob song is well-composed and picturised.

Krishna Kumar's camera work is good, but he could have shot night sequences with more lights.

Editor Soundar's work is crisp.

"Nammanna Don" is a fun-cum-message-oriented film which should not be missed.