 "Jyeshta" does not have an unusual story, but the narration is full of appeal. The film reminds one of Malayalam hit "Valliyattan", but the scriptwriter has remixed it so well that it would be difficult to prove it as a remake.
All-round good performance by the leading artistes and competent work by the technicians elevate the film.
It is the story of five brothers who return to their village only to find they are not welcome, and their closest relatives are thirsting to take revenge against them. The brothers find their cousins trying devious methods to harm them. The eldest brother - played by Vishnuvardhan - protects the interests of the five from both their enemies and themselves.
There are several well-crafted sequences, like the dramatic arrest of the heroine on murder charges. In the second half action sequences dominate. The large doses of fights may displease the women audience who throng in large numbers to see Vishnuvardhan's films. Comedy sequences featuring Anand and Anirudhdh bring in a few laughs.
Vishnu steals the show. Ashima Bhalla has a brief role - two songs and a few sequences - but she makes her mark. But it is Sindhu Menon, in a cameo role, who comes out the winner. Devaraj, Ramesh Bhat, Sharat Lohithashwa and Shobharaj have delivered good performances.
The music and camera work are top class, with S.A. Raj Kumar providing three popular tunes. Though the song "Kanchana Kancha" has been lifted from a popular song of Telugu film "Vasantham", it has been shot well. "Ninegala Nenapugale" is a hummable song. Ramesh Babu's camera elevates the film's quality.
"Jyeshta" is certainly worth watching.
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