Slapstick comedy is a style of humor that provided early acknowledgment for numerous key figures within the Kannada film sector, which eventually evolved into substantial acclaim and fan bases. This comedic approach helped elevate comedians from minor parts in protagonist-focused movies to starring roles. An example of this progression includes Nagabhushana, an actor who initially achieved prominence through secondary performances before transitioning regularly into leading-man positions over time.
'Vidyapati' is a Kannada movie with Nagabhushan playing the main role. Co-starring alongside him are Malaika Vasupaal from 'Upadhayaksha' and Garuda Ram known for his part in 'KGF'.
The trailer of 'Vidyapati' attracted significant interest due to its humor, editing, and compelling storyline. The scene featuring Nagabhushana confronting Garuda Ram, the villain of the movie, brought back memories of the legendary finale between Shah Rukh Khan’s character Rahul and Thangabali from the hit 2013 film ‘Chennai Express’. However, will this production elevate Nagabhushana from being just an entertaining sidekick to becoming a notable leading man in Kannada cinema? We shall see!
Siddhu, also known as Vidyapati (played by Nagabhushan), is a carefree individual from a humble yet diligent household with ambitions for an opulent lifestyle. Upon falling deeply in love with upcoming megastar Vidya (portrayed by Malaika), he deceives her into marriage through a tangled net of falsehoods. Along this journey, he leaves behind his kin and companions without hesitation—this sacrifice being inconsequential compared to the luxurious existence he seeks alongside his spouse’s wealth and income.
One night, as Siddu goes on a date with his wife, they encounter Jaggu (Garuda Ram), a well-known criminal. This meeting concludes with Siddu failing to protect Vidya’s dignity and ending up battered while attempting to escape from the predicament. Feeling humiliated by her spouse, Vidya opts to thrust Siddu back into abject poverty, stipulating that he must defeat Jaggu before she will let him come back into their lives. How does Siddu manage to reintegrate himself into Vidya's world? And what insights does he gain along this journey? These queries drive the narrative of the movie.
In the heart of this emotionally charged action-comedy lies the complex nature of Siddu and his relentless pursuit of wealth, which forms the crux of the narrative. This journey unfolds across multiple experiences throughout the movie. The connections between Siddu and key figures such as his spouse Vidya, his father, his stepmother, and his lifelong buddy significantly shape both his development and the viewer’s connection to him within what can be described as an episodic storyline.
The recent triumph of the Tamil movie "Dragon," starring Pradeep Ranganathan, continually highlighted that when viewers resonate emotionally with what’s happening onscreen, they may overlook various imperfections—this insight might also apply to this film. Similarities such as complex protagonists achieving salvation, tumultuous connections, and relying heavily on recognizable feelings suggest that "Vidyapati" shares potential with "Dragon." However, this doesn’t imply it lacks flaws; quite the contrary.
Esham and Haseen, the writing-directing pair, appear to have crafted an entire script around a compelling single line but opted for a very conventional approach in bringing it to life. The lack of creativity in execution serves as a significant shortcoming. Additionally, the movie fails to deliver substantial resolutions to any of the connections formed throughout the story. Given that these directors previously created something as distinctive as 'Ikkat,' this new work seems less like a personal endeavor and more akin to a routine task.
Nagabhushana puts forth considerable effort to shoulder the film single-handedly, with much reliance placed on his performance. During the initial part of the movie, many of his jokes hit their mark and elicit laughter; nonetheless, some scenes feature overly exaggerated acting that feels out of place. Nevertheless, Nagabhushana redeems himself in the latter portion through his nuanced portrayal of emotionally charged moments, which reaffirms his capability as a leading actor in Kannada cinema.
It’s surprising how little screen time Malaika Vasupal gets despite playing the titular character, Vidya. She appears in just a few scenes but performs adequately within them. On the other hand, Garuda Ram, who takes on the role of the villain Jaggu, fails to impress with his acting.
Special recognition goes to Daali Dhananjay for his extended appearance as the enigmatic Anaconda, a martial arts master whose performance brings some of the finest scenes in the movie. The introductory fight scene featuring Anaconda is exceptionally staged and flawlessly performed by Dhananjay, eliciting applause and enthusiastic reactions from viewers. Viewed independently, Anaconda’s tale has potential as an intriguing project; however, it would require creators to adopt a fresh strategy when developing her background.
Among all the technical departments, the music department shines uniquely. Composer Bossmode successfully leads viewers through a script that often veers off course. The cinematography and editing fall short in various areas and barely reach an average quality level.
In general, if you anticipate a tale akin to David versus Goliath based on the trailer, or something reminiscent of Shah Rukh Khan’s Rahul confronting Thangabali scene from 'Chennai Express,' then what we have here is merely a visual parallel. Nevertheless, even with all its shortcomings, ‘Vidyapati’ remains an easygoing, casual watch—particularly appealing to viewers who found enjoyment in the humor and emotive moments hinted at in the preview.
