Scoring over Yama is not easy!

Katariveera Surasundarangi
Kannada (U/A)
Cast: Upendra, Ramya,
Ambarish and others
Director: Suresh Krissna

Finally, “Katariveera Surasundarangi” is here, after all the drama surrounding its release. Producer Muniratna’s money is well spent.

Right from frame one, the viewer (familiar with Java, Flash player) is made aware of just how opulent the film is... the sets, the CGI and the treatment — everything is dipped in moolah!

“Katariveera...” has more 3D scenes and attendant controversies than Prem’s “Jogaiah”! It’s also true that the magic grabs hold of those who have never or rarely been exposed to the technology. But for the rest, it’s a case of “what could have been”. Or even a measure of pride.

Upendra, who seeks magic over logic and thrill in life, tries to become a don. Old don Muthappa Rai (in a cameo) tries to dissuade him but Uppi ends up getting thrown into a tank, full of bullets and goes straight up.

With enough rights and wrongs in his lifetime in equal measure, he is allowed to enter hell and heaven without fuss. He plays enough havoc with Yama’s system of dispensing justice that he is packed off to heaven where he meets the beautiful Indraja, daughter of Indra.

It’s not long before both Yama and Indra realise that a “khatarnak maanava” has entered their domain and they proceed to teach him a lesson.

The platter on offer is full and varied. Upendra’s screenplay has all the tricks in his bag to Muniratna’s ‘story’. He revisits his famous “Kantha, Kantha” Mohana role in “Rakta Kanneeru,” gets his “Buddhivanta” co-star Suman Ranganath scamper around in an itsy-bitsy number and uses all his guile in delivering that “message” to the masses in typical style.

He holds a mirror to the ever-increasing self-absorption of the society.

For the real glamour quotient, of which there is little, he has Ramya for company. Chubby in a few frames and innocently sensuous in others, Ramya fits the bill. It would have been interesting if the actress had dubbed for her role. After her intro song (which has Ilayaraja’s influence), it is hard to push aside “Atilokasundari” Sridevi whenever Ramya addresses Uppi in the heaven.

Ambi’s is a looming presence as the Lord of Death. His diction disappoints a bit. Upendra though shines as Mohana, who rules the netherworld briefly, swatting away Chitragupta’s objections in a memorable monologue. Doddanna and Sridhar look the part.

Songs fail to touch any chord while Venu’s hard work with the camera shows.
“Katariveera...” manages to wow viewers mainly through its art design and Upendra’s dialogues that have a touch of desperation.

But these are desperate times, aren’t they?