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Actor-director Sudeep has taken so many responsibilities in the Kannada film, Veera Madakari, a remake of the Telugu hit, Vikramarkudu. Other than acting in a double role, he has directed and also crooned the song, Jink Thaka.
Veera Madakari should have been an immensely likeable commercial film considering the quality of the original. But somehow it is not. The length (three-hour long) and dragging moments in the first half tests your patience.
The story goes like this: Muththeththi Sathyaraju is a compulsive fraudster who is forced to take care of a child. Circumstances force Sathyaraju to tell everyone including his lover Neeraja, that the child is his. Later Sathyaraju comes to know that Madakari, an ACP is his look alike. Cue for a villain by the name of Babji to stir up trouble. Madakari takes on Babji and tries to stop his illegal activities.
Veera Madakari is essentially made to appeal to the masses but Sudeep has not tried to be innovative while directing the film. The choice of locations in the second half is monotonous. Historical places like Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal have been used for song picturisations earlier too, so no surprises there. Sudeep has also retained the same tunes composed by Keervani.
Sudeep has lost a lot of weight and with his present physique, he doesn't suit the role of the strict and dynamic assistant commissioner of police. However, as Muththeththi Sathyaraju, he is perfect.Besides Sudeep, the film's major attraction is child actor Joysha Christopher whose performance is superb. Newcomer Raagini is impressive while Gopinath and Soori are too loud. Tennis Krishna fits the bill. Dharma, Dinesh Gandhi and the Lady Inspector have all done a good job.
Songs and camera work are good. Go for Veera Madakari only if you haven't seen the original.
Rediff Rating: 