'Tandege Takka Maga' film review

Multi-starer movies are not new in Hindi but comparatively rare in Kannada. Tandege Takka Maga starring Upendra and Ambarish is one such high expectation film. But unfortunately, this remake of Tamil

blockbuster 'Thevar Magan' is a big letdown. Both of them have miserably failed to live the characters once played by Shivaji Ganeshan and Kamal Hassan (Thevar Magan) and Amrish Puri and Anil Kapoor (Virasath).

This is a story written almost 12 years ago. It revolves around two brothers fighting for leadership in their village. Villagers support Samaritan elder brother (Ambarish) because of his care and affection towards them while hatred the younger one (Srinivasa Murthy) due to his cruelty and cunningness. As the tug of war between the brothers continues, Satya (Upendra), son of the elder comes to the village from town after his higher studies. He finds the situation disgusting and asks the villagers to live in harmony. His efforts go in vain and the war continues. His father dies of heart attack after being humiliating in the village panchayat. The son then forced to take the responsibilities of his father to lead the village. What next? The silver screen awaits you.

Director S. Mahendar has stuck on to the original script without much change. It also tests your patience for three hours and looks dragging and drabbing. Looks like Mahender is getting the magic that appeals to today's cinegoers.

Both Ambarish and Upendra suit the roles quite well and have given decent performances but there was room for better in many sequences. It's Laila Laila

and Sakshi Shivanand who carry the film on their shoulder… particularly Laila with a splendid performance. Ashish Vidyarthi as the bad guy roars and snores throughout the film. Komal Kumar and Srinivasa Murthy are good. Rest of the cast has nothing new to boast for. Krishna Kumar's cinematography is a big plus. Dialogue by B.A. Madhu adds adequate support. S.A. Rajkumar has given two good songs. Watch it if you are free and have lot of patience!

Direction: S. Mahendar
Producer: Pavan
Music: S.A. Rajkumar
Cinematography: Krishnakumar
Cast: Upendra, Ambarish, Sakshi Shivanand, Laila, Srinivas Murthy, Ashish Vidhyarthi etc