What is the excitement when the contents in the print are transmitted on screen? That is the major danger for this film. What is read in 'Dadagiriya Dinagalu' is focused in a simple narration style explaining the politics, police and underworld connections. When an actor like Vijay is in the cast the expected commercial element is lacking in this film. That obviously takes away his fan following from entering the theatre.
'Slum Bala' has a flat narration and every scene is predictable. The beautiful cinematography and able actors have made this film a passable one. In the days of pure entertainment who wants to get to know the underworld days of the past? Agni Sridhar and team should have added some more commercial elements keeping the subject as it is in the interest of the box office if they are worried about it.
'Slum Bala' is a muscle man but not much of brain. A thorough rounding off of criminals in Bangalore is the result of 'Gadipaar' order for Slum Bala. Bala goes to Mumbai and works as a bouncer in a private bar. He meets Mallige (Shuba Punj) the girl in distress and he guards her modesty. Bala living with Razak (Sathya) are asked to come to Bangalore on an important assignment to shoot out Cable Manja (Dharma). Bala agreeing to police demand learns the knack of holding pistol and he is brought in front of an MLA contestant Prasad (Suresh). Bala learning handling of pistol from Shanker (Achuyth) working on the instructions of senior cop Shanthakumar (Shashikumar) becomes almost a puppet. Yet he is daring and he successfully kills Cable Manja the main hardship of politician Prasad for his election to the post of MLA.
Slum Bala becomes Bangalore Bala and he earns respect and money for his daringness. Bala is under the impression the entire cable business will come to him but politics goof up the things. He is disenchanted and screams at the top of voice against Prasad who is now minister of urban development. A sketch is made to finish off Bala at the end.
This is not a heroic role for action hero Vijay. He is an underdog. His fans would find it difficult to take it. Shuba Punj as Vijay counterpart is superb. Shashikumar the senior actor has given a memorable performance as corrupt cop, Achyut Rao as right hand to politician B.Suresh is apt. The notable performance and good delivery of dialogue has come from B.Suresh. He has chances open for him in cinema but not accepting it for his preoccupation in small screen.
Umasri and Girija Lokesh are in usual roles. Sathya getting break from 'Aa Dingalu' has been attentive on screen.
Arjun has not only given good background score but two of his scorings are likeable. A.C.Mahendran camera work is the main highlight of the film. The Mumbai night shots the dark lighting he has used are convincing to the story line.
Scoring 6/10
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