That the style of story-telling in Kannada films is not as voguish as that in Telugu and Tamil cinema is not controversial.  R Chandru, a shining director in Sandalwood, makes his debut in Telugu with the remake of his blockbuster movie, 'Charminar'.  If the four pillars of 'Charminar' meant four pillars in life in a metophorical sense, the narration itself was not non-archaic.  He more or less makes an honest remake, abandoning the metaphor and thankfully so.

'Krishnamma Kalipindi Iddarini' is a sham melodrama that makes an attempt at being an intensely emotional, mature drama.  The spuriousness is apparent even in the way Krishna and Radha interact and behave.  The director is so much preoccupied with delivering a heart-touching, anguished drama (on a flimsy base) that he ends up stripping the interactions, behaviour and languge of realness.

It is Krishna's 'Autograph', to be sure.  Krishna, played by Sudheer Babu, arrives in India from US for a student reunion in his village.  He is now a software engineer harbouring grateful feelings towards some and melancholic memories of his childhood sweetheart Radha (Nandita).  His story has several characters, some who mean a lot to him but Radha is the constant feature ever since he saw her in Class VIII.  A dullard turned into a gem (so big a gem that he secured 8th rank in EAMCET!), a responsible son, an idea citizen of his village, all because of one inspiration: Radha.

For Krishna, life is never fulfilling without Radha.  But will his love be a success?

Chandru's narration seeks to elicit a poetic feel; if the dialogue writer limits it to a few lines, the lead pair is engaged in the attempt from the word go, almost.  It's a overdose of Nandita and one just can'

stand her trying to betray innocence and loveliness.  If the visualization was to make the character look subtle, the choice of the actress ensures it is otherwise.

Sudheer Babu does his career's most melodramatic role, till date.  As the clean-shaven intermediate guy, he passes muster.

It's a love story where circumstances play havoc but Krishna's behaviour leaves much to be desired.  It's a kind of love story where one pillar (Posani, the principal-teacher) has to enlighten Krishan about the appositeness of talking to another pillar (lover).  If all this was delivered in a sublime manner, perhaps the genuine confusion (or sense of resignation) in Krishna could have been conveyed.  However, Posani and Sapthagiri are chipped in to deliver an unwelcome comedy that doesn't work.

The film is set in a rural backdrop but when it is the love letter time, the song is trendy!

When two childhood friends meet in their house, you expect them not to behave like those who have known each other for a few days only. The girl knows about Krishnamma's blessings to those who cast their desires in stone but the boy doesn't, even though he seems to be from the same village.  There are two occasions for a fight and they both fall flat.  One starts off as a potential danger but he signs off delivering a bad joke.

For many who looking for clean stuff, this one may be an answer.  KS Chandra Sekhar's cinematography and Hari's music are good.

Verdict: It the story of an anguished lover on whom circumstances cast a dark spell.  Since his love is cast in stone, the Krishnamma has the answer.  The proceedings are not as poetic as the title.  Sudheer Babu shines, the climax is heart-touching and heart-rending at once.  Overall, however, it is a melodrama that could have avoided being overdone.

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