As director, multi-faceted Prakash Rai has proved his mettle again with Oggarane. The film, reportedly inspired by the Malayalam flick Salt N’ Pepper, doesn’t disappoint. Culinary art plays a major part in the film.
While there are other films revolving around mid-life crisis, Oggarane stands apart due to its sensibly handled narration. Kalidasa (Prakash Rai) is an archaeologist, and Gouri (Sneha) is a dubbing artist, who share a passion for good food.
Kalidasa, who detests mobile phones, gets one from nephew Naveen (Tejas). The relationship between Kalidasa and Gouri blossoms as they squabble over food and he teaches her to make Joan’s Rainbow cake, prepared by a French soldier’s wife, who awaited her husband’s return home from the Second World War. Humour, a hallmark throughout the film, is well-integrated into the sequences.Prakash Rai again proves to be a fine actor and plays his role without overdoing it. Sneha is graceful and justifies her character. Ilayaraja’s background score needs special mention as it enhances the mood of the film. Preetha’s cinematography helps to give the film a lift.
Oggarane (Kannada)
Direction: Prakash Rai
Cast: Prakash Rai, Sneha, Achyut Kumar, Mandya Ramesh
