Title: Gharga, Producer: Ashwini Ramprasad, Music: Gurukiran and RP Patnayak, Cinematography: Guru Prasad Narnad, Cast: Arun Ramprasad, Saikumar, Sampath Raj, Rahul Dev, Dev Gill, Sravan Raghavendra, Arun Sagar, Mitra, Rihana, and others.
Gharga, from Ashwini Ramprasad’s production house, is a well-driven screenplay-based cinema. What is said in the first half is completely disproved in the second half—Chapter 1: Land of Shadows. The theory of dismantling the thoughts built in the first half takes a dangerous turn in the latter part of the film.
Director Shashidhar proves to be a smart and intelligent storyteller. The deft handling of Gharga within 118 minutes addresses several issues and keeps the audience attentive, offering a satisfying feast filled with twists and turns in the second half. Editing, locations, music, special effects, and art direction are all in top gear. There are more than half a dozen moments that are completely unpredictable. Gharga is a remote place where hell breaks loose for new entrants. The story of this place and its purpose is explained through Sampath’s character as the film unveils undisclosed information.
A novelist, Vikram Adiga (Arun Ramprasad), arrives at the most dangerous place, Gharga, with Pundarika (Arun Sagar) as his driver. Gajanana Aithal (Saikumar), the son of the highly respected Mahabhala Aithal, heads this place. As Vikram Adiga’s purpose of visit becomes clearer, several strange incidents begin to occur.
The audience later learns that Vikram Adiga is actually a criminal working for Bhagwan (Rahul Dev) to execute a major heist at this location. Pundarika reveals his hidden agenda, and Ganesh Aithal also discovers the shady dealings of the duo. Gharga is in fact ‘Rahasyagala Rajasthana’. It is the beginning of ‘Operation hand in God’!
The mission is to steal a sacred idol of Lord Shiva worth one thousand million at Chandragiri Hill. The idol is guarded by sadhus living in and around the Gharga location. There is much more to discover by watching this engaging screenplay-driven cinema. The film has striking elements that will appeal to the mass audience.
Arun Ramprasad, making his debut after taking sufficient time for this film, has done a fine job. He looks stylish and attentive on screen. Arun Sagar shines with fiery dialogues and humorous moments. Sai Kumar, the dialogue king, showcases the grit and determination required for his role. Sampath’s voice is definitely a stunner. Mithra and Muni’s characters have also performed well. Rihana looks beautiful and sensuous in one song.
In the beautifully captured and composed song dedicated to Lord Shiva, Dev Gill performs impressively. The background score perfectly complements the stunning screenplay. Picture abhi baaki hai! Watch out for the next part of Gharga from noted producer Ashwini Ramprasad and his team. The rise of new hero Arun Ramprasad and director Shashidhar is definitely a welcome step. A film worth watching.
