In the hang over of his first film `Taj Mahal' success director R Chandru gives a very poor second half in `Prem Kahani' and with a wafer thin subject of rich girl falling in love with slum dweller and dejected poor hero committing suicide is a big bore in the second half.
Sheela is the main stay of this film. Cameraman Chandru occupies a notable position and music maestro Illayaraja has not come up from his `Nammura Mandhara Hoove' times of late 90's. Maestro is not updated on the current style of film music in Kannada.
What happened to this director R Chandru? Why should he take everything in over confidence? The story happened in his friend's life is brought out in this Rs.5 crores plus cinema in rather unconvincing style. We have seen plenty of disciplined parents, the slum dwellers being loved by rich girls and vice versa. Just because the protagonist cannot keep his life, wife and child in comfort zone he stoops to the most unexpected move. The deeply hurt heroine spitting on him walks out to make her son either Einstein or Sir M Vishveswaraya is the climax of this film.
Hailing from a rich and disciplined family Sandhya instead of concentrating on studies falls to the roadside urchin Manja who ekes out his life from carrying loads from place to place. Flabbergasted with the move of Sandhya the days of Manja is fortunate enough the audience would feel. But Sandhya is forced to marry Rajesh a builder. On the very first night of her married life Sandhya decides to either die or join Manja. The humble builder unites the lovers and walks out from their life. On the other side Sandhya in the poor atmosphere cope up with everything and poverty becomes a part of her life. Manja hires an auto to earn his livelihood. That is not enough earning for Manja to keep his wife child happy. The poor status continues for five years. Sandhya goes for a job in the computer center as data entry operator. Sandhya is in shock and dismay on the day she receives her salary. What is that - you have to watch it on the screen.
Sheela the heroine of Telugu film `Paragu' over shadow everyone in the film. The role is so strong for her and she has made a cake walk understanding the powerful role. Ajay is not able to give good performance. He looks dejected throughout the film and role is minus the hero image. Rangayana Raghu and Sudha Belawadi as tearful parents are convincing.
Kogile Koogu Baa..songs reminds of Illayaraja's `Nammura Mandhara Hoove' Hele Kogile..song; Hoddhavne Love alli Hoddhavne is similar to the `Junglee' film song, Yarivanu.and Yaarivalu..reminds the `Ramachari' Kannada film similar song. Maestro has lost the touch. His singing is also not very good.
Chandrasekhar the cameraman of `Prem Kahani' occupies the second position. The small lanes, the huge bungalow, the outdoor locations are very superb in the camera.
Prem Kahani is a tragic tale told in a laborious narration!
Scoring 5/10
