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Sudeep's latest film, Hubballi, starts off very well. The first few sequences set the mood for an edge of the seat thriller. Then come hilarious comic sequences that would keep the audience in splits. You are satisfied. The stupendous feast prepared by Om Prakash Rao and Sudeep in the first half makes you anticipate a greater treat in the climax.
Alas, all expectations crash down with the second half. It is the same story of mayhem, bloodshed, swords, sickle, bullets and brazen killings. It was as if Panani Raj, the stuntman of the film, took full control over the film halfway through the second half.
Hubballi is Sudeep's film, as he's delivered a powerful performance. But the last 50 minutes of the film, filled with fights and chase sequences, overshadow all his earlier effort. And you walk out of the theatre dissatisfied.
Hubballi has the hero in search of his identity. After being saved by Rakshitha, Sudeep goes in search of his roots. The plot thickens till a person identifies him and asks him how he survived a murderous assault. Then, a police officer identifies him as the Assistant Commissioner of Police who has been assaulted by his detractors. When Sudeep gets his memory back, he goes to Hubli and pretends he doesn't remember anything -- he feels this is the best way for him to take revenge.
Sudeep's performance is top class throughout the first half, but he doesn't have to perform in the second half, just punch his adversaries. Rakshitha is a revelation and it is really unfortunate that this actress is calling it quits. Sadhu Kokila, Tennis Krishna and Bullet Prakash are fabulous in the comedy sequences. Swasthik Shankar and Dharma are ordinary as villains.
The film is well shot, and most stunt sequences are also well choreographed, particularly the chase scene in the first half. But the music composition and re-recording by Hemanth are ordinary. Even the song picturisations lack quality and style.
Hubballi is enjoyable only for Sudeep's performance and Rakshitha's comedy timing, but it requires a lot of patience to sit through the lengthy stunts and melodrama in the second half.
Rediff Rating: