"Cyanide" is an exciting film from the first frame. Kannada cinema, currently at the mercy of filmmakers producing remakes only, really needed a venture like this.

Young director A.M.R. Ramesh, a product of the Chennai Film Institute, has proved his mettle in his second film. The film, dubbed in Tamil as well as Hindi, is bound to be discussed for a long time.

"Cyanide" is based on the story of the police investigation and trial of assassins of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, said to have came to Bangalore after accomplishing their mission. The director has got the right script to make an engrossing two-hour film.

Ramesh has selected the artists with care. His trust in Ravi Kale, Avinash, Rangayana Raghu and Malavika has paid off.

Ravi performs the role of 'One-Eyed Jack' Sivarasan perfectly while Malavika steals the show as the fearless Shubha. Rangayana, with his trademark spectacles, plays convincingly the man who sheltered the militants.

Award-winning actress Tara is able to recreate the horror and trauma of Ranganath's wife Mrudula and looks like a harried housewife.

Other important characters like police officers Karthikeyan and Kempaiah have been portrayed competently by veteran Nasser and Avinash.

Ramesh has provided crisp dialogues that, together with excellent camerawork, keep up the pace of the film.

"Cyanide" has no song but is no less entertaining for that.