After experimenting with subjects of social concern, director Jayateertha has taken a detour this time with a mystery thriller. The title might remind the audience of Vanilla Sky, a Hollywood science fiction psychological thriller by Cameron Crowe. But, Vanilla is nothing like Vanilla Sky .
Vanilla touches upon the social issue of drug addition, but it is blended into a murder mystery. The concept of capnophobia (fear of smoke and smoking) lends a new dimension to Vanilla. The chemical dimension of drug addiction is explored in the film, with angles of insurance mafia, media and Lokayukta among other themes being woven in.
He intentionally opts for a slow narrative to reveal the mystery behind two murders with which he opens the film. It does try the patience of the audience at many points, until the last scene opens up various layers of suspense.
Though there is little scope for a love story, Jayateertha weaves the narrative around the blooming romantic relation between Avi (Avinash) and Anu (Swathi Konde). The film opens with these two characters, childhood friends bumping into each other accidentally, after a long gap. Even before their love story takes off, they encounter a murder on a rainy night on a desolate bridge over a train track.
The director introduces another gruesome murder to the viewers earlier to that, where Lavanya, a lecturer in a local college, also gets killed on that night. The story takes another turn when Anu goes missing.
In the first half, Jayateertha continuously knots and unknots the mystery by introducing one character after another.
The director deserves appreciation for experimenting with a new theme with a new approach. Film buffs can identify traces of Hollywood and Korean style of film-making.
Avinash, who is a product of theatre, and Swathi Konde, whom he auditioned during his previous venture Beautiful Manasugalu, do a credible job. Ravishankar Gowda also makes his mark in acting.
VANILLA: (Kannada)
Direction: Jayateertha
Cast: Avinash, Swathi Konde, Ravishankar Gowda, Pavana, Rehman, Girish
