Producer: Dr. Narasimha Murthy, Surabhi Films, Director: Om Sai Prakash, Music: Vinay Chandra, Cinematography: JG Krishna & Deepak, Cast: Gowrishanker, Sonal Ladva, Dr. N Narasimha Murthy, Bala Rajwadi, PD Satish, Ramesh Bhat, Sringeri Ramanna, Ganesh Rao Kesarkar and others.
Veteran director Om Sai Prakash, who completes his 106th film with Common Man Naane CM, once again proves that a strong idea does not necessarily need an extravagant narrative treatment. Spread across 146 minutes, the film stays away from excessive hustle and bustle and does not burden the ordinary audience with an overly complicated or Gen-Z-style presentation. Instead, Om Sai Prakash chooses a straightforward, old-school storytelling approach, allowing the central idea to take centre stage. And that idea is certainly intriguing.
The film brings together Khaki, Khadi and Khavi — three powerful symbols that surround its narrative — and builds its story around the thought-provoking concept of “Sarkara Asthi, Janara Asthi”. The idea of the common man entering the corridors of power and eventually becoming the Chief Minister is presented with considerable dramatic flavour. Whether everyone agrees with the film’s political premise or not, there is no denying that Common Man Naane CM attempts to entertain the audience with a distinctive and unconventional thought.
Director Om Sai Prakash receives strong support from producer Dr. N Narasimha Murthy, who is also the story writer and plays a pivotal role in the film. Kumar Kamsale, played by Gowrishanker, is the son of Dharmateja Kamsale. A lawyer by profession, Kumar finds himself in the spotlight after finding interviews with two ministers for a private satellite television channel. His sharp legal mind eventually takes him to the courtroom, where he puts forward an extraordinary argument: he seeks a share in the seat of power — the Vidhana Soudha.
The film then introduces another dramatic layer through the life of the sitting Chief Minister, Mavalli Sadashiva Rao, portrayed by Dr. Narasimha Murthy. An astrologer predicts that the Chief Minister will experience a brief interruption in his political power. What initially appears to be an insignificant prediction soon becomes a turning point in Kumar Kamsale’s life. In a calculated move, the sitting Chief Minister voluntarily gives up his position, believing that Kumar, being a temporary and inexperienced Chief Minister, can easily be removed from power.But things do not go according to plan.
Once Kumar Kamsale takes the oath of office, he chooses to give priority to health and education. What begins as a temporary arrangement gradually develops into something much more significant. The young lawyer starts winning the confidence and affection of the people.
The MLAs, initially assuming that this “stop-gap” Chief Minister can be taken for granted, soon realise that Kumar Kamsale is not as easy to control as they imagined. From this point, the film introduces several dramatic developments that keep the narrative moving. There are a few twists that are likely to surprise audiences, while the climax becomes one of the film’s major talking points. The final act is particularly dramatic and is best experienced on the silver screen.
Along the way, Common Man Naane CM also puts forward several ideas about how certain aspects of the system could be improved. Gowrishanker, who made an impression with his rugged role in Kere Bete, shows considerable transformation in Common Man Naane CM.
He is comfortable with the dialogues and carries himself with confidence throughout the film. His action sequences are competitive, while his screen presence, style and swag give Kumar Kamsale a distinct personality. The dialogues further strengthen his character and help him make a strong impact in the role.
Bala Rajwadi, playing a patriotic father who guides his son Kumar Kamsale, makes his presence felt, particularly in the song sequences. Sonal Ladva looks good on screen, although there is still considerable scope for her to explore and establish herself further as a performer. PD Satish as Swamiji, Ramesh Bhat as the Judge and Ashok as the Governor deliver convincing performances and add credibility to the proceedings.
Dr. Narasimha Murthy, who has produced and written the story, also plays Chief Minister Sadashiva Rao. His performance remains natural and restrained, adding authenticity to the character. Vinay Chandra comes up with a handful of pleasant tunes. The song featuring Bala Rajwadi stands out, while the peppy number and the duet songs provide the necessary relief and entertainment value. Veteran cinematographer JG Krishna, along with his son Deepak, brings clean and clear visuals to the screen. Their work complements the narrative and adds visual value to the film without becoming unnecessarily flashy.
Common Man Naane CM is certainly an eye-opener in its own way. The introduction of political formations such as the Cockroach Janata Party, emerging overnight and attempting to shake up the system, adds another layer to the film’s political satire and dramatic narrative.
At its heart, the film asks an interesting question: What happens when an ordinary citizen suddenly gets an extraordinary opportunity to change the system from within? Director Om Sai Prakash has chosen to narrate this unusual idea in a conventional and accessible manner rather than relying on excessive experimentation.
The result is a film built around a unique concept, dramatic moments, political themes and the fantasy of a common man occupying the highest chair of power in the state. Go watch Common Man Naane CM for its distinctive thought, earnest effort and the unusual journey of a common man who finds himself at the centre of power.
