Review: 'Anna Bond' (Kannada)

Film: Anna Bond (Kannada) 
Director: Suri
Cast: Puneet Rajkumar, Priyamani, Ninasam Satish, Rangayana Raghu, Nidhi Subbaiah
Rating: **

James Bondigu Boss Anna Bond… goes one of the lines in the title track of the most waited film of the year, Anna Bond, and given that director Suri and Power Star Puneet Rajkumar were coming together, one could only hope for Anna Bond to emerge the ultimate hero. So does he? Unfortunately not. For starters, the story— which you figure out only in the second half— leaves you asking for so much more.

Bond Ravi aka Anna Bond (Puneet), is the messiah of the helpless and a terror to the hooligans. While the first half establishes nothing but his heroism, the second half tells you why a bone setter from a small village takes it upon himself to fight a bunch of baddies and bring order in society. Many flashbacks later, the film ends hurriedly but not before reminding you of not only Hollywood film Blood Diamond but also Suri and Puneet’s first film together, Jackie. For instance, the underlying theme of the ill effects of superstitions and human trafficking and Bond Ravi’s character are sure to remind you of Jackie.

This being their second outing together you would expect a different kind of cinema, but no such efforts are made. The dialogues also fail to make an impact in most places. The other thing that doesn’t work in the favour of the film is Jackie Shroff’s character. While he looks menacing enough, his dubbing robs the character of its intensity. Rangayana Raghu also fails to make you laugh. Priyamani and Nidhi, who is at her chirpy best, make their presence felt. When it comes to Puneet, his fights and dance moves are entertaining.

As for the things that stand out in the film, Ninasam Satish’s hilarious act surely deserves a mention.  He does a fabulous job of mocking a Kannada film director who is known for his gimmicks. Full marks to Imran Sardaria for innovative choreography. Music director Harikrishna also delivers. Kaanadante Mayava-denu... sung by Puneet and Boni agada… are the most entertaining of the lot.  Watch Anna Bond if you are a Puneet fan! Period.