"Aham Premasmi", Ravichandran's eagerly awaited film,
is being considered by many to be a landmark in Kannada cinema for its
technical excellence. It's the first time an entire Kannada film is
digitally graded, and full credit goes to Ravichandran.
Being the launch pad for brother Balaji, Ravichandran
took longer than usual to complete the film.
"Aham Premasmi" doesn't boast of a good story line,
but is undoubtedly an enjoyable film. It deserves to be watched just
for the way Ravichandran has narrated the story. The film also gives
a good viewing experience through its glossy and distinctly stylish
song sequences.
The story is simple and oft told. A poor boy, living
in a slum, detests love, thinking that falling in love would prove to
be the death-knell for his prospects of success in life. He gets an
unusual dream, where the god of love tries to convince him that love
is supreme and sublime, and that it is not for him to decide not to
fall in love.
Balaji
meets the rich and spoilt Arati in college. She throws a challenge -
she will accept the boy who will fulfil five conditions - including
kissing her without her knowledge, and finding out about the moles on
her body. Though, initially, Balaji seems uninterested, he eventually
falls for her. When Arati finally proposes to Balaji, after he fulfils
all the conditions, her father emerges as the villain. Watch the film
to see who wins.
The film has been made with much care and commitment.
For once, Ravichandran has focussed more on comedy, that too successfully.
Arati's screen presence is bound to draw the young
audience. The Mumbai-based actress has excelled in her first Kannada
film. Though she has done a few Bollywood ventures and one Telugu film,
this may well remain her best in terms of the scope it offers for glamour
and acting. She shines in the two songs - "Pullinga" and "Aham Premasmi"
- both shot in Mauritius.
Balaji has certainly proved his potential in his very
first film. Though the narrative offers little scope for histrionics,
Balaji fares well in the songs-and-action department. Ravichandran makes
a special appearance in the film.