The debut of veteran actor cum director Kashinath son Alok's `Baaji' is convincing in parts. Had the director Srinivasa Shidlaghatta taken care in avoiding puerile scenes and applied scissors this film `Baaji' would have been even more crisp and tidy. However Kannada filmdom has got a new tall looking handsome youngster from the family of an actor. That is Alok who has good screen presence and left a strong mark that he can deliver good results in the coming days.
The film revolves around betting from the beginning. The betting held especially when Indian and Pakistan cricket match takes is even stronger and lavish. In one such betting Kittappa (Rangayana Raghu) keeps his daughter Priya without her knowledge (Like how Draupadi was kept for betting by Dharmaya in the Mahabharatha) and loses her to Abdul Khan the famous Mumbai underworld don. Now Abdul Khan (Kishore) wants to marry Priya (Raani) who is staying in United States of America.
The story takes a different turn when Priya is unknowingly rescued by Baaji (Alok). Priya takes refuge in the house of Baaji and this where Baaji's father Ananthnag comes to a wrong conclusion that she is a good match for his son. The seed of love is sown in by father to his son shocks Priya because she is in love with Abhi (Santosh). For having given shelter Priya agrees to Ananthnag not to reveal to Baaji that she is not love with him. Abdul Khan is now hell bent on marrying Priya and he makes hectic preparations. In the marriage hall of Priya and Abhi developments lead to some more complications as the elder brother of Abhi - Abdul Khan enters. More suspense we would not like to reveal. God and watch this film.
The six foot tall hero Alok has struggled hard in dance and action. His timing and dialogue delivery has to improve. Kishore takes the major honor whenever he appears on the screen. Ananthnag is not behind. He is so natural. Raani looks sweet but there is not much of opportunity for her in this film. Rangayana Raghu and Layendra combination gives comedy relief.
Only two songs scored by GR Shanker worth hearing. Cinematography is average. The flash back scenes of Ananthnag are very poor in cinematography. The framing in some shots is not captured well.
This is an average entertainer.
Scoring 6/10
