Producer (Rockline Venkatesh) stops an upcoming director Dev (Prajwal Devaraj) from revealing the climax, as he was convinced about the potential of story and the way he maintained the curiosity on whether “hero and heroine live happily ever after”. This Kannada film producer finally admits that story is the hero of the film. However, when a persistent assistant of the producer quizzes the director to reveal the end, a smiling Dev tells him that he was not aware. Take this as a cue and don’t try to know about the climax till you watch Neenade Naa.
As claimed by director Kandhas, Neenade Naa is based on the true story of his friend. Kandhas, a choreographer by profession, did not distort the story to meet commercial needs in his debut attempt and succeeded in making a meaningful and engaging film. Better to appreciate actor Devaraj and his family for offering a purposeful, provocative movie for the Kannada audience.
Offering women their due, freedom and space to pursue their aspirations and carve a niche for themselves in society as an individual is the hallmark of the film. The way Kandhas ends the film is something the Kannada film scene has not seen in the last few decades and conveys a message. The director seeks to drive home the message of women empowerment without compromising and shows what bridge cinema can be if only the heart is in the right place and mind takes over money where it matters most.
Of course, he will not disappoint film-goers who seek, romance, comedy, action and other commercial ingredients. Even Prajwal’s fan will not crib about that. The film makes the audience to ruminate, long after leaving the theatre.
The film throws various questions about love and friendship. Searching for love in friendship is the present trend. But Neenaade Naa is a search of friendship in love. If audience find traces of Milana , starring Shivarajkumar and Parvathy Menon, the director cannot be blamed. But the director showed that, he can go a step forward in providing a new dimension for those who wanted to see a semblance of change in their mindsets on what engaging entertainment can truly mean.
Neenaade Naa turns the spotlights on how two young women – one an aspiring athlete and another seeking education and empowerment through employment — achieve their life’s goals. Commerce and art can comfortably coalesce to provide ensemble, ‘edutainment’ for masses.
Prajwal, as the benign, understanding, large-hearted beau Dev, ensures that the spotlight is truly on the two heroines — Priyanka and Ankitha who play Lakshmi and Pavithra — in his life.
