Review: 'Chaarulatha '(Kannada)

Film: Chaarulatha (Kannada)
Cast: Priyamani, Skanda
Director: P Kumar
Rating: ** 1/2

A story of conjoined twins is what Priyamani returns to the big screen with this time. The actor is in fact seen in a double role in Chaarulatha, the film that celebrates Dwarkish Productions’ 50 years in the film industry.

Chaaru and Latha and their mother are one small happy family until Ravi (Skanda) enters the scene. Ravi falls in love with Chaaru and Latha doesn’t take too kindly to this fact and this marks the beginning of all the things that are to go wrong.

What are we talking about? Well it is not all that an unpredictable storyline so we know you will figure it with or without watching the film.That Chaarulatha has been adapted from a Thai horror film was not something that the makers hid from us, so those of you who have watched or heard of Alone will know what to expect. So why would you actually consider watching the film? Purely for Priyamani’s acting. She is convincing, both as the soft spoken and shy Chaaru, and the straight forward and bold Latha. She carries the entire film on her shoulders, in fact. Skanda who plays the leading man makes sure he gets noticed in his first Kannada film outing too. Music director Sundar C Babu, who also marks his entry into Kannada films with this project, has also been given ample scope to prove his prowess. His violin compositions deserve a special mention.

While the horror bits may not give you the goosebumps and the stretched second half may make you slightly impatient, Priyamani’s acting will help you sail through the film. So if it’s quality performances you are looking out for, make some time for Chaarulatha.