The fire in `Garam Hava' director M.S.Sathyu is missing. The delectable touch of the prolific director who is coming back after twelve years is not seen because consuming more time he tells a wafer thin subject. Except one touching conversation between the protagonist Meera Jasmine and Anirudh - the clash of tradition and modernity, there are not appreciable sensitive elements attempted by veteran director. The redeeming features of `Ijjodu' are good performances, one lovely song from MD Pallavi and GS Bhasker's expertise in camera.
M.S.Sathyu who directed the classics in Kannada like `Bara' and `Minchina Ota' has caught hold of a big business house in giving this film `Ijjodu' (Incompatible) but he is incompatible with the narration that is jaded and protracted. The point, the director wants to make, arrives late in a cool and composed style.
In the village dominated by chieftain (played by Ramakrishna) Anand (Anirudh) comes to study the ancient architecture as photo journalist. He takes shelter in the village chieftain where Channi (Meera Jasmine) is also living. There is a soldier Balarama (Sathya) and his wife in the village who marries Venkatesha on hearing the death of her husband in the war. The return of Balarama surprises her and eventually Balarama becomes mad.
Director Sathyu explaining all these developments in flash back techniques arrives to the life of Channi who is Devadasi. When the village was affected with major disease her parents have taken oath to make Channi as Devadasi. Believing the guidelines set by her parents Channi the prostitute comes into an argument with Anand. He is not ready to accept her views. This is where we see director M.S.Sathyu when the clash of tradition and modern thoughts clash.
When Anand declines the prostitution and asks Channi to make a different living she bounces back saying if he is ready to give her a proper living. Baffled with this sudden outburst Anand is not in a position to answer Channi. Left with no option Channi commits suicide. Anand feels he has killed Channi and curses himself.
It is a delectable performance from Meera Jasmine and Anirudh. Meera Jasmine learning Kannada and doing the dubbing on the spot scores over all. Anirudh, son in law of Dr Vishnuvardhana giving up the image of hero of commercial films has shown excellent skill. Sathya as soldier occupies attention for his dialogues and innocence. The opening choreography in the film is well conceived.
Manikanth Khadri gives one lovely song that is sung by MD Pallavi. The nature beauty and indoor shots from GS Bhasker is competent enough to enter the awards fray.
Scoring 6/10
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