A sequel to `Aptha Mithra' has been fabulously conceived and transformed on celluloid as a commercial gripping cinema by director P Vasu. Dr Vishnuvaradhan's last film the 200th film is a haunting one for its brilliance. The debut film of Dr Vishnuvaradhan film `Nagarahavu' and his last 200th film `Aptha Rakshaka' are relating to snake is a strange coincidence. He was a young and angry man in the debut film and poignant and intelligent doctor in `Aptha Rakshaka'.
The spectacular show of strength lies in the narration of the director. In every character he has added the depth and to top it all is Dr Vishnuvaradhan role in three characters. Not even a single scene is boring. Except that the 120 plus years role needed some more make up expertise there is no fuss whatsoever. The `Nagavalli' lives again! The clash of super natural power and scientific belief in the film is treated with respect and in well thought out style.
The film is a take off from `Aptha Mithra' and there is some similarity in the settings and relevance of `Nagavalli' gathers good scope. The director P Vasu's competence is seen when he allows the `Nagavalli' to escape in the form of a snake. That is a signal for the part III. The story is a playoff between a psychiatrist and a Goodman who try to unravel the mystery of a long dead dancer's effects on living souls.
In the house of Saraswathi, Geetha and Gowri (Lakshmi Gopalswamy, Bhavana and Sandhya) the snake surfacing regularly disturbs the atmosphere in the house. No good activity is taking place. In comes the Ramachandra Acharya (Avinash) and he ropes in Dr Vijay (Dr Vishnuvaradhan) to control the effects. The findings give a clue that the huge dance portrait is the main reason for ill effects. Acharya control the effect while Dr Vijay looks for the reasons for disturbance. He traces the history that disclose King Vijayaraja Bahaddur (Dr Vishnu again) forcibly brought Nagavalli (Vimala Raman) a dancer to his court and the clash between the two is long lasting. The portrait of Nagavalli on the wall of cast a wrong spell. How to appease Nagavalli? The end of Vijayaraja Bahaddur who is living in an isolated place is focused. Nagavalli escaping from the hands of Acharya reaches the hill top to attack Vijayaraja Bahaddur who is still living surpassing 125 years. Rest is to be watched on the silver screen.
Vishnuvaradhan as Vijay and Avinash as God Man Ramachandra Acharya come again as psychiatrist doctor and divine power Acharya respectively. In addition to it the two other characters of Dr Vishnuvaradhan as a forty plus and Vijayaraja Bahaddur the king and 125 years old role (of Vijayaraja Bahaddur continuation) are well displayed on the screen give extra energy for the film.
`Aptha Rakshaka' also brings to life the story of Nagavalli and King Vijayaraja Bahadur which was mentioned in the first film. This is the high-point of the film. But director Vasu has many other surprises in his narration that unravels as the film progresses.
Vishnuvaradha in a dual role is immaculate. As Dr Vijay he is very lively and as King Vijayaraja Bahaddur he is furious and romantic. The negative shades in the king's role do not affect his charm a bit. He modulates his voice twice over and the result is exciting. Komal Kumar tickling the funny bones is a big relief. Vimala Raman as Nagavalli is accurate. Lakshmi Gopalswamy, Sandhya and Bhavana have emoted well. Srinivasamurthy and Vinayaprasad's controlled performance. Ramesh Bhat dramatics are admirable support to the film.
Three out of four songs of Gurukiran - Chamundi Thaayi Aane...Garane Gara Garane..Omkara..are good in values and Kabaddi song is peppy. PKH Doss as cameraman definitely deserves awards for his work.
The film has chilling special effects and graphics. The DTS sound is absorbing. The selection of locations is precise. This is a must watch movie!
Scoring 9/10
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