Shikari Review

The call of the present day in the cinema is different presentation. Only when something unique and out from regular pattern is applied the audience is expected to come. In 'Shikari' with a top star like Mammootty the youngster Abhay Simha in his second film made a solid homework in the neat execution of his film. That is not enough for the commercial arena is what he has failed to understand. The lively moments and comedy track would have added further strength to this rather serious cinema 'Shikari'. There is very good performance from the artists, music is mellifluous, cinematography is excellent and Mammootty Kannada is also tolerable. The lacking issue is the commercial strength for the film. It lands in between an art and commercial film. Congratulations for producer K Manju in taking up this kind of film that demand good effort and money.

Kudos to this kind of thinking by Abhay Simha in the story presentation! For the presence of superstar Mammootty director Abhay Simha has not unnecessarily projected the actor. He has taken what is essential only from the super star.

The protagonist Abhijit (Mammootty) becoming Arun of the novel 'Shikari' and Nanditha (Poonam Bajwa) as Renuka is the main focus. When Abijith learns about the rare contents in the book 'Shikari' he decides to know more about it. The book brought from Library has some pages missing.

What is further is the hunt of Abhijith and he goes to Manjanadka where he finds some strange incidents of pre-independence period. He finds Nanditha in the house of author Gopinath Shinde. What about the further pages of 'Shikari' book? That is the interesting search with the help of Nanditha. In the process Nanditha falls in love with Abhijith. She turns an opportunist.

There is a suspense element in the climax part which you have to hunt watching the film 'Shikari'. The pre-independence portions of Mammootty as Aruna are quite OK. The presence of Tiger, Sir Andrews British ruler, people of Manjanadka the period cinema is well presented.

Mammootty is the main stay of this film. He has that gracious presence. For Kannada audience at places he reminds Dr Vishnuvardhana. Only a few words he has not delivered it precisely. Poonam Bajwa is perfectly fit the roles of Nanditha and Renuka. She looks so serene and simple.

The local actors Adhitya in the opening title song has given right performance. Sharat Lohitashva often stuns on the silver screen. Achyuth Kumar and Ninasam Ashwath are very apt.

Music director V Harikrishna and cameraman Dr Vikram Srivatsav have worked in competition. The title track, duet in the background Ninthu Nodalenthu...and Kannadiye Kannadiye Nanna Nodu...are backed by classical touch.

Dr Vikram Srivatsav has given his best in the camera. The environment he captures in the lush green areas is a feast to the eyes. The rainy atmosphere is well fed to the ears at the background score.

'Shikari' is a very decent film. It is a new experience for the viewers.

Score - 8/10