'Shri' film review - a film by Prakash-produced by K.S. Dushyanth

Will he hit the bullseye this time also? This was the question that came to many when Prakash released his third film 'Shri' starring Vijay Raghavendra on Thursday. Because, his previous two - 'Kushi' and 'Rishi' were super hit and naturally hopes were pinned on this film also. Prakash has definitely worked sincerely to give a nice and decent film.

Vijayaraghavendra

The story revolves around a bank robbery in Thailand. The master-mind behind the whole robbery is a Kannadiga business tycoon called Rahul Shetty (Rahul Dev). He uses Deepa (Jennifer Kotwal), a software engineer who has designed the security system for that bank. He kidnaps her mother and sister and compels her to help him in decoding the security system. Rahul Shetty succeeds in this job. After that he wants to finish off Deepa as she is the only witness.

Deepa comes to know about it and runs from him. She happens to meet Shri alias Shrikant (Vijay Raghavendra), a waiter in a restaurant. She lies to him that her uncle is trying to kill her for money and offers Shri a sum of 50 lakhs of rupees if he safely sends her back to Bangalore. Shri who is in urgent need of money saves her from Rahul Shetty and his goons and brings Deepa back safely to Bangalore. What happens next? Will Shri safeguard her in Bangalore also? Better watch the film for more thrills and suspense.

No doubt the film is made lavishly, but it lacks a strong story. The audience have seen enough and more similar plots in many Bond films and adventure films. So, though the audience are excited about the action sequences, particularly the Muay-thai fights, bank robbery scenes, chasing scenes, songs etc, disappoinment comes in the form of story. However, a film is much more than just a story - isn't it!

Vijay Raghavendra has done an excellent job in acting department. He is superb in action sequences. He also proved himself to be a good dancer. Jennifer has nothing much to do. She looks very cute in songs. Rahul Dev is haunting. Ananthnag, Vinaya Prakash, Komal Kumar, Avinash have done their bits. Comedy by Doddanna and Nagashekar is a let down.

Technically the film is worth a mention. Both Krishna and Krishna Kumar have done a commendable job behind the camera. Bank robbery scenes are well executed. The action sequences thrills you. Beautifully picturized songs add colorful moments. Couple of songs by Valisha-Sandeep are hummable. Particularly the 'Kanchana' and 'Joke' songs are very popular among the masses. Crisp editing by S. Manohar and Balaji Manohar worth a mention particularly the action sequences. The film is far better than the routine bloodshed films. Watch it - the excitement awaits you...!

Direction: Prakash
Producer: K.S. Dushyanth
Music: Valisha-Sandeep
Cinematography: Krishna and Krishnakumar
Cast: Vijay Raghavendra, Jennifer Kotwal, Rahul Dev, Vinaya Prasad, Ananthnag, Shakila, Meera, Komal, Avinash, Doddanna, Nagashekar etc