Title – Karikaada, Banner – Riddhi Entertainments, Producer – Deepthi Damodar, Screenplay – Dialogue – Direction – K. Venkatesh, Music – Athishay Jain and Shashank Sheshagiri, Cinematography – Jeevan Gowda, Cast – Kada Natraj, Niriksha Shetty, Yash Shetty, Baby Riddhi Nataraj, Kriti Verma, Bhalarajvadi, Manjuswamy MG, Vijay Chendur, Vipin Prakash, Mahesh Chandru, Surya, Karisubbu, Chandraprabha, GG, Rakesh Pojary, Harish Kundur, Rashmi, Diwakar BM, Master Aryan, Harshith, Giri, and others.
Karikaada, a Kannada film, is undoubtedly a tragic love story with a difference. A vibrant style of filmmaking with an admirable backdrop of 1992 and serene locations turns the surroundings unbearable for the innocent Kaada. The director could have opted for a stronger first-half lift in the screenplay. The admirable music, action, and cinematography elevate the standard of this film by a new team. The production quality is good as well.
It is always the innocent who are put to heavy tasks in Indian cinema, and Karikaada is no exception. Kaada, a hunter of wild boar in his village, has a sorrowful flashback. He rejects the love of Kanaka, though it is pure one-sided love. Kaada, from a downtrodden background, is always with his friends in deep forest areas to hunt wild boar. He has sharp eyes, and in the evening he opts for alcohol and enjoys a feast from his hunt.
Kaada is advised by his father that in this world distress comes to the poor when they go behind ‘Hennu and Mannu’. Although Kaada is not interested in love, the avengers against him are from the upper class. The eclipse does not spare the sun and moon; the distressing days for Kaada begin. It is all because of Kanaka in this case.
When the revolt against Kaada becomes intense, it leads to various complications. Finally, Kaada decides to accept Kanaka, but this is, in fact, a big battle he has to fight. Ultimately, the penalty is heavy for both Kaada and Kanaka. The troublemakers also face ordeals for attacking the ideals of the innocent Kaada.
Karikaada is filled with spectacular action portions along with lovely songs. The opening sorrow song is well composed, along with the romantic duet and item number by music director duo Athishay Jain and Shashank Sheshagiri. The cinematography by Jeevan Gowda captures every moment on screen with competence. The rain and forest sequences are a feast for the eyes.
Kada Nataraj, from a marketing profession to acting as the main hero under his banner Riddhi Entertainments, has worked hard and given his best. There is enough scope for Niriksha Shetty in her upcoming films. Yash Shetty and Bala Rajwadi spill out anger with good competence. Popular comedy actor Vijay Chendur is a surprise in this film, which you have to watch on the screen.
This is a mass-audience film that showcases how difficult life is for the innocent when the upper class rules the roost.
