Like a cool breeze in summer

By Y Maheshwara Reddy | NT

“Premam Poojyam is like a cool breeze on a hot summer day. It is the 25th movie for Prem as an actor. It is believed that Prem had opted to act in this movie after 85 scripts were narrated to him. The actor deserves appreciation for not only selecting the right script for the right occasion (25th movie) but also for his sterling performance.
Dr Raghavendra, who makes his debut as a director in Sandalwood with this movie, has done a commendable job not only as a director but in the areas of scripting, lyrics, dialogues and music. Though the lyrics are not up to the mark, the music is soothing and he deserves a pat on his back for background score.
The selection of locations for this movie is appropriate. One can feel, while watching this movie, that you’re in a forest. The selection of artists, except Aindrita Ray, is apt. Brinda Acharya , who makes her debut in this movie, walks away with all honours for her sterling performance. She looks gorgeous and her dialogue delivery and body language are superb. Brinda Acharya will be an asset for Sandalwood and could give the other heroines a run for their money, if she takes acting in movies seriously.
Sadhu Kokila, as Talaiva, has provided the much needed comedy in this romantic movie. Veteran artist-cum-director Nagabharana as the father of hero Prem and Avinash as the father of Brinda Acharya, and Malavika as the mother of Brinda Acharya, and Master Anand have acted well. The only disappointment is the introduction of Yojitha’s (Aindrita Ray) character that not only looks incongruous but also is not necessary. It is not to blame or criticise Aindrita Ray but the script does not need her. The scene where she enters a doctor’s chamber and goes through his dairy is not convincing.
The movie is about Sri Hari (Prem), a bright student who hails from a village in Mandya district. Sri Hari wants to pursue medicine but has no money. His father (Nagabharana) borrows money from a landlord for his higher education . His specialty is that he respects all those he meets. He happens to become friendly with Sherlyn Pinto (Brinda Acharya) while studying medicine. The two fall in love. Sherlyn manages to convince her father about her choice but her mother has other ideas. Finally, Sherlyn has to marry an engineer selected by her mother. Meanwhile, Yojitha, an epilepsy patient, wants to marry Sri Hari but he’s not interested. What happens to Sri Hari is the climax.
The director has ensured a crisp screenplay during the preintermission session but the second half of this movie drags a bit. It would have been a big relief for the audience if the director had reduced the length of the second half by 15 to 30 minutes. Naveen Kumar has done an excellent job behind the camera. All in all, “Premam Poojyam, lives up to its title, which means love is worthy of worship. It is a welcome family fare.