Film: Kousalya Supraja Rama

Director: Shashank

Star Cast: Darling Krishna, Brinda Acharya, Milana Nagaraj, Rangayana Raghu, Nagabhushana, Sudha Belawadi

Language: Kannada

Duration: 147 minutes

Certificate: U/A

Kousalya Supraja Rama (Kousalya's son Rama) is a heartwarming and captivating film that strikes a perfect balance between entertainment and emotional depth. Directed by the talented Shashank, this movie is a delightful family drama that cleverly challenges gender biases without being preachy.

At its core, the story revolves around Rama (played with endearing charm by Darling Krishna), who starts off as a male chauvinist with a belief in every imaginable male privilege as his birthright. However, fate presents him with a life-altering challenge that forces him to confront his own prejudices and transform into a real man. Revealing the unexpected twists in the plot would do injustice to the movie's brilliance, but it suffices to say that it tugs at your heartstrings for all the right reasons and at the right moments.

The central figure in Rama's journey of self-discovery is his mother, whose character evolves from a loving housewife to a mentor guiding her son on the right path. Sudha Belawadi's portrayal of this innocence-personified mother is truly exemplary, delivering an outstanding performance.

Darling Krishna skillfully embraces the character's transformative arc, breathing life into it and making it his own. Brinda Acharya adds a charming presence to the film, her subtle expressions a joy to behold. Nagabhushana, as Rama's cousin and close companion Santhu, plays the role with such conviction that it feels like he was tailor-made for it. On the other hand, Rangayana Raghu's role may have been a bit exaggerated, but his performance could have benefitted from a touch more sobriety. Lastly, Milana Nagaraj's sudden appearance in a stunning role, complemented by an equally fabulous performance, adds another layer of brilliance to the film.

The technical aspects of the movie are top-notch, with cinematographer Sugnan and editor Giri Mahesh showcasing their prowess. Arjun Janya's music works its magic, especially the soothing melodies that add to the film's overall charm. While the film might have missed a few lavish set-pieces that could have added more weight to it, it still looks and feels grand enough for the story it tells.

In conclusion, Kousalya Supraja Rama hits the bull's eye in achieving its goals. It is an endearing film that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impact. A must-watch for families, this movie offers a powerful message wrapped in a beautifully crafted narrative.

-S Shyam Prasad