Firstly, cannot expect this to be a big hit of 2008 as this is not watched by every movie goer.
Having read Grihabhanga, and having not read LankEsh's novel, i can only portray Rangavva as grihubhanga's Gangamma.
And I believe I am right in saying, Shruthi's acting lacked the punch. Yes, it is very different role to what she has handled till date, but again, the real P.LankEsh's 'avva' is not what we see on the screen.
This movie only cements my belief that a good novel need not mean an excellent movie.
The theme I believe was mainly revolving around casteism, which again does not get protrayed right. The last scene really makes us wonder if this really was a One theme movie.
Apart from these, there are real positives out of this movie. Being a non-commercial movie, it really is not boring. I differ on Senthil Raju's review here.
It does take one into real village life, one where in, theres not one Learned fellow, and the best of the lot is actually really bad. The hatered among the powerfull, and the pranks they play against each other has come out really well.
Quite enjoyable screenplay, brilliant performance by Rangaayana Raghu, a commendable Master Rakesh, and good performances by Savanthri are a few highlights.
How can Rangavva not educate her daughter on her acts, and how can she accept byaaDar manja as her son in law is a little questionable and am sure the story has the answers for these.
All in all, a very good watch, not the best movie.
Re: Still missing some elements
by amith s on Jul 03, 2010 05:25 PM
Having read Grihabhanga, and having not read LankEsh's novel, i can only portray Rangavva as grihubhanga's Gangamma. -- Even I felt the same after watching the movie...
As a Tamilian who has spent most part of my life in Bangalore, I look back with warmth and admiration Karnataka, its fine people and its rich literature. P Lankesh has created some intersting works in Kannada cinema like 'Pallavi', Kanadavidako, Maamsavideko, Anuroopa- to name a few. He was a maverick amongst Kannada literateurs like UR Ananthamurthy and did a cameo as the rebellious Naranappa in 'Samskara' Well, that was the golden era of Kannada cinema dominated by BV Karanth, GV Iyer, Girish Karnad, Girish Kasarvalli, MS Sathyu.. I am very happy to know that Lankesh's daughter has also taken to cinema like her illustrious father. I only her Awwa can change the disgusting trend in the Kannada film industry and bring about a welcome change. I wish her all the best and look forward to many more fruitful ventures of this kind.
RE:RE:Awwa
by Konga on Feb 14, 2008 10:03 PM
hi bala...agree....those good old days are excellent....i think now it is coming back to track again... movies like cyanide, nai neralu, mungaru male, duniya have bought freshness to kannada industry...i guess 2007 was a great year for kannada industry.... music directors like mano murthy, harikrishna produced some brilliant music...directors like soori, yogeshwara bhatt, kasaravalli, kavita lankesh bought some original fresh movies... great going...
RE:Awwa
by Sivaraman Gopalan on Feb 15, 2008 04:20 PM
Hi ..Konga! that is aderogatrory sobriquet used by Kannadigas for Tamils, I suppose. It is good to know that there are still some meaningful ventures in Kannada. I simply cannot forget GV Iyers 'Hamsa Geethe' and Karanth's 'Choman dhudi' and Karnad's 'Kaadu' I look back at those days longingly.
RE:Awwa
by Konga on Feb 15, 2008 04:49 PM
Sivaraman - Konga is my nickname called my dear pals :)...not sure about aderogatrory sobriquet part of it. I agree, kannada industry has produced some classics in the past and even today there are some serious cinema happening...if check national award list, kannada is the second best in south...Malayalam has got 7 national award for best movies, 6 for kannada and Tamail/telugu 1 each. Bengali movies dominated always - they deserve it as well.
at the same time, there are some idiot directors here in kannada [i am sure such craps are there everywhere] who tarnish industry image.
RE:waste of time..
by Konga on Feb 14, 2008 09:54 AM
surprised...but respect your views... i found this movie a class...brilliant art movie....it is a joy to watch such great work.....this is almost on par with Nai Neralu...
thanks rediff for the review, though it came bit late. No doubt, this is the best one from kananda industry in 2008. this movie is a class - a artistic original work. Might not be a commercial hit, but if you have some inclination towards art movies, go for it. it is worth. A sure national award nominee for this year. Good to see kannada industry experimenting off-late.
A very memorable flick and I would say the first big hit of 2008. Avva lived up to the expectations of Kavitha Lankesh and more so her legendary father's work. The story has been kept simple and although I haven't read the novel, I can imagine what the mind of the writer would be like. Dialogues are hard hitting and watching it with family can be a bit discomforting, I suggest this to all viewers of good cinema. Vijay has displayed amazing charisma and Shruthi does an extremely neat job doing away with her *beaten to acceptance* *the lonely woman* kind of roles. Rangayana Raghu takes away the honors, yet another splendid performance, he sure deserves a National Award for this.
