Title: Dodmansa, Banner: Bagur Talkies Vedhik Cosmos, Direction: Sharath Krishna, Music: Sridhar Alex, Cinematography: Anand Ilayaraja, Cast: Sharath Krishna, Reshma, Shilpa, Huli Karthik, Bala Rajwadi, Prashanth Shetty, Prajwal, Manu, Sanju, Amoolya, Mandya Siddhu, Gagan, Prasad, and others.
“Duddu Iddon Alla Guru Dodmansa, Dodmanas Ironu” – at the opening of the film, the multi-tasking Sharath Krishna sets a platform for what he intends to convey in his 143-minute narration of Dodmansa.
In a cool and composed style, with not much variation, the screenplay moves forward without bothering the audience. As the lengthy and predictable screenplay unfolds, one gets to know about frustration, hardship, friendship, good nature, love, and action.
Shivu (Sharath Krishna), an orphan, is a Good Samaritan. He is too good at heart, a true ‘Dodmansa’. He helps elders, assists a girl in distress named Sneha, supports his friend’s sister’s marriage, pools funds from fellow auto drivers, and helps his roommates Devu, Dhyan, and Basava. Shivu has a very disturbing past and, having learned a strong lesson from his own disappointment in securing a hero’s role, he helps the aspiring Devu become a director.
The strength of friendship is further highlighted when Shivu’s roommate Devu, who is about to become a director, selects Shivu to play the lead role in his film. Strong objections come from the producer (Bala Rajwadi), and once again, Shivu finds himself in a helpless situation despite his noble mindset.
The friendship between Devu and Shivu irks the producer, who is ready to invest in the project. A stage seems set for sacrifice, but the director has something else in store that once again highlights the goodness of human nature.
Director, actor, producer, story writer, screenplay writer, and dialogue writer Sharath Krishna has given audiences many memorable moments in this film.
“Shankranna is like Garbha Gudi, Darshan is like the Kalasha atop the temple” earns whistles from the audience. When the frustrated film aspirant says, “Beedhi Naayi Bhagya Saha Namagilla,” it showcases pent-up emotions. Dialogues such as “Manushya Dudiyodu Hottege Taane,” “Cinema is business for some, but for most it is baduku (livelihood),” and “Kale Srimanthara Aalu, Badavana Paalige Devathe” hold a mirror to present-day realities and are well-written for the situations.
In action sequences and emotionally charged situations, Sharath Krishna has shown promise. Reshma and Shilpa have little scope to boast about in their roles. Huli Karthik’s timing and dialogue delivery are appealing. Bala Rajwadi is the right choice for his role.
Sridhar Alex has provided good tunes. “Kannadave Nannusiru… Yee Karunaade Nan Ooru…” sung by Hemanth, is very catchy, while “Haajari Haaku Igale…” is melodious. Anand Ilayaraja’s cinematography is very appealing in several places. The editing could have been sharper. The costumes are quite appropriate for the film.
For those looking for a feel-good movie, Dodmansa is the right choice.
