Tavarina Siri, starring Shivaraj Kumar, is one of those sentimental Kannada films that are targeted at the fairer sex. If the women weep inside the theatres, the producer will laugh outside, goes the joke.

The question is, will the producers of this film be smiling?

Shivaraj Kumar is riding high on two hits, Jogi and Anna Thangi. His two previous sentimental films -- directed by Sai Prakash Tavarige Baa Thangi and Anna Thangi -- had broken box-office records. That is why there has been a buzz about Tavarina Siri.

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Director Sai Prakash has followed the same successful pattern -- crude comedy, some action, meaningful lyrics, melodious songs and a rich ambience.

But there are no intense moments, which were the highpoints of the earlier films of the same genre. The earlier films looked crude but were able to attract women in large numbers because of the weepy sequences. But it is doubtful whether Siri will make women cry.

The movie has so many weak points that they overshadow the positive factors. But in the final analysis, you come out of the theatre with a satisfied smile only because the last 30 minutes of the film are well narrated. Shivaraj Kumar and Ramesh Bhat score well in these sequences.

The first half will really bore you and will test your patience. The film enlivens only after the hero loses his assets and is thrown to the streets. But even in the last part, the crude and irritating comedy sequences jar.

Shivaraj Kumar has been maturing with every film and his performance. Ramesh Bhat is another saving grace of the film. Daisy Bopanna, who had acted as a modern girl in many films, has only a few sequences, and she does not look good in de-glamorised roles at all. On the other hand, Ashwini shines in the role of Shivaraj Kumar's sister. The comedy artists are tolerable but the antics of Hema Choudhary and Asha Latha are unbearable.

Tavarina Siri could have been a better film if made properly. It can still be watched, for Shivaraj Kumar.

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