Using cinematic liberty has by and large changed. Retrospectively, audience aspiration is also on an upward swing. With such a scenario, a director ought to be very clever and circumspect. A taut thriller must have good narration technique. This is what Chef Chidambara follows in parts and just moves ahead of mediocre status.
The director of this film, M Anand Raj, inspired by a few thrillers besides making a good screenplay, has also left a few questions in the minds of viewers. Chef Chidambara is narrated at a quick speed of 108 minutes, but something was required, one feels, after watching the entire film. Is the director hoping for a sequel?
Chidambara, a chef, has two tasks to fulfill: one is helping the orphan house from clutches, and the other is having his own restaurant after clearing liabilities. He becomes a scapegoat to the circumstances. This becomes an uphill task for him when no mistake of his, the death of Vicky, takes place in his apartment.
The task he was given to achieve with Vicky is now serious after death, as the mobile in the custody of Vicky accidentally falls into a garbage vehicle from his apartment. Obviously, the police and Don are on the lookout for Vicky and the mobile phone. The lady who assigned a task to Chidambara to obtain the mobile from Vicky is also surrounding him. In addition to that, there is the lovely lady Anu for Chidambara, forcing for a hassle-free life.
From four angles, Chidambara has to free himself. Whether Vicky’s body is comfortably disposed of? Police asking for ransom from Chidambara let him go, the lady who assigned the job to Chidambara moves in the later portions to add to ticklish problems. A few surprises, in fact, take the film to an interesting level.
In his comeback after five years, Anirudh has given a neat performance, and he has understood the role precisely. Sharat Lohitashva excels as a cruel cop, beautiful-looking Rachel David has a brief presence, and so does Nidhi Subbaiah; KS Sridhar’s performance is also accurate. Shivamani in a pitiable don role is different in his career.
Produced by Roopa DN under Damti Pictures banner, the film is directed by “Raghu” director M Anandraj. Story and screenplay written by the director are quite impressive. The dialogues by Ganesh Parashuram are commendable. The film has cinematography by Udayalila, music direction by Rithvik Muralidhar, editing by Vijith Chandra, DI by Ashik Kusugolli of “Vikrant Rona” fame, action direction by Narasimhamurthy, and choreography by Madhuri Parashuram.
