Director M Anand Raj’s solo-actor film has its flaws and merits. Vijay Raghavendra impresses the most than the flick by itself.
A poster of 'Raaghu', Kannada's first solo actor film. (Supplied)
Raaghu (Kannada)
While Kannada filmmakers have been experimenting with a lot of out-of-the-box ventures, Raaghu certainly falls under the one-of-a-kind films for its one-man show category.
Actor Vijay Raghavendra, known after his popular award-winning film as a child artist in Chinnari Mutha (Mutha: The Golden Boy, 1993), plays the only character in the entire film. His solo performance impresses the most than the film by itself.
Vijay Raghavendra in a still from ‘Raaghu’. (Supplied)
Raaghu opens up with Raaghu (Vijay Raghavendra), a bachelor who works for an online pharmacy company, delivering medicine to customers round-the-clock. He has a girlfriend.
The story is set during the second lockdown imposed by the government to curb the rise of Covid-19 cases.
With the announcement of the lockdown, his girlfriend insists and convinces him to meet her before the restrictions come into force, more so because Raaghu uses inhalers.
The director makes sure that no one else is seen apart from Raaghu on the screen, and it is only the voices of other characters that prevail till the end.
The twist comes with the kidnapping of his girlfriend. Who abducted her and for what reason is the crux of the story that concludes well within one hour-thirty-three minutes.
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Before proceeding further, here’s a word of caution: the film is not made for all. It is strictly for those who admire and appreciate out-of-the-box flicks for their experimental value.
There are no characters, glamour quotient, fancy locations and over-the-top songs and fights. It is just Raaghu who is embroiled in an unusual circumstance to save his girlfriend.
Actor Vijay Raghavendra in a still from ‘Raaghu’. (Supplied)
While the soul of Raaghu is bold for its daring concept, the film majorly lacks when it comes to the execution part.
The script, at times, lags and tests the patience despite being a 93 minutes saga.
Though it does build up the right tension required for a suspense thriller, especially of this kind, the later part could have been worked on for a more appealing end.
Despite lacking on various counts, Raaghu will be remembered for Vijay Raghavendra’s performance who has delivered his best in recent times.
His character comes with dual shades and he handles it to near perfection.
All in all, it’s Vijay’s show all the way.
If you are a fan of experimental films that are high in performance, Raaghu will certainly not leave you disappointed. Moreover, it comes with suspense for a good watch.
(Views expressed are personal.)
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