Title – Ricky, Producer – SV Babu, Direction – Rishab Shetty, Music – Arjun Janya, Cinematography – Venkatesh Anguraj, Cast – Rakshit Shetty, Haripriya, Achyuth Kumar, Sadhu Kokila, Ravi Kaale, Pramod Shetty, Manjunath, Dinesh Mangaluru, Veena Sunder, Shashikala, Raghu Pandeshwar and others.
The issue of ‘Naxal’ (prevalent in Karnataka also) is very rarely touched on Kannada silver screen. Rishab Shetty hailing from Dakshin Kannada district has authentically traced the facts, burning issues of Naxal people. He has efficiently mixed it with love and wild life contents in his film ‘Ricky’.
There was a film titled ‘Naxalite’ in Kannada, one of the films ‘Ondu Preethiya Kathe’ was also love story mixed with Naxal issue. This one ‘Ricky’ crosses all borders. The fact of the matter the director finally deals is interesting. He could have given a happy ending but the discussion perhaps he had in the team doles out a tragic end that is convincing. One cannot fight against the system is a fact.
For a first time director Rishab Shetty the support of SV Production has given him a fantastic boost. Not all newcomers are lucky to get a producer like SV Babu. The lavish in spending, right selection of stars, locations, technical upgrade for the film makes it a very competitive film at the Indian level.
He is Ricky – Radha Krishna a wildlife conservator, protagonist returns to his home town after 15 years. The beauty he is looking for Radha (Haripriya) is also waiting for his presence. The flute and ‘Navilgari’ are the ambassador of love for this lovely pair Ricky and Radha.
It is unlike other films. There is no fuss from both the families when marriage proposal is put forth. The professional commitment of Ricky lands him in Kashmir to research on leopards. After a year he returns to settle down in marriage with Radha. There has been drastic change in Radha. The SEZ – Special Economic Zone of the country enforcement is a big shocker in the family of Radha. She loses her parents with the news of SEX raze of the house. Radha is supported by a Naxal group at her most difficult time. To wage a war on such atrocities in society Radha joins Naxal and change her name as Seetha.
How Ricky on his returns meets Radha, the risk he takes and his efforts to convince the Naxal team and final result of escaping Radha from Naxal troupe is captivatingly narrated.
It is a superb performance from Rakshit Shetty and Haripriya looks very haunting as lover. Haripriya in two shades has struggled very hard and given fine results. Achyuth Kumar, Veena Sunder, Dinesh Mangaluru, Shashikala and the new sister in the film are very absorbing in their roles. The comedy track of Sadhu Kokila is another good relief of the film. The new find of this film Pramod Shetty has given stunning performance.
Jeeva Neenu….Jevaaa Neenu….Malage malage nan edeyolage…..opening song and solo song for Rakshit Shetty are well composed by Arjun Janya. This is a musical feast with majestic cinematography from Venkatesh Anguraj. The top angles without missing the objects Venkatesh Anguraj in the deep forest gives a superb visual treat. He deserves a few awards for his tremendous work.
It is a film made for the masses and family audiences have something very special to watch. You cannot miss this bold and dashing attempt of SV Production ‘Ricky’.
