Prachanda Ravana is a mythical Kannada film based on a popular mythological play written by Kanagal Prabhakara Shashtri 50 years ago. The title role was enacted by legendary actor Vajramuni in the play.
While there has been little deviation from the original play, the filmi version of Ravana is hampered by poor narration and weak handling of the script by the director. Though the powerful dialogues do make an impact in some sequences, in totality, however the film fails to deliver.
On a positive note is Devaraj's powerful performance as Ravana (his first mythological role) and Gopi Krishna's music.
Bharat Bhagavathar, who plays the role of Hanuman strikes a chord with the audience. However, the selection of Nithin as Rama is the director's biggest mistake. Veteran actress Sudharani passes muster in the role of Mandodhari, but television artist Rajeshwari is listless in the role of Seetha.
Technically, too the film does not set high standards. Even the camera work is uneven. The film does not look like a product made for the visual medium; it looks more or less like a drama re-enacted with different actors and technicians.
While we appreciate the efforts of making a film like Prachanda Ravana, it takes more than technology to present a play differently on the big screen.
Rediff Rating: 
