Film journalists turning directors is not an uncommon phenomenon in any language.
Now, it is the turn of Kannada film Journalist Nandakumar, who had written lyrics and dialogues for a few films earlier, to take to directing movies with Good Luck.
Good Luck tries to peep into the life of models, fashion designers and model coordinators. It is nice to see that a first time director embarks on a subject which has not been touched upon by the Kannada film industry so far.
But despite the fresh subject, the movie lacks clarity because Nandakumar has not gone into the details. The execution suffers mainly because the debutant director has included some commercial ingredients with an eye on the box office.
So, the script looks like a hackneyed attempt by an amateur rather than the work of an experienced analyst. There are many holes in the script. Thankfully, the director has taken the support from experienced technicians like P K H Doss and Rajesh Ramanath, who have done their best to lift the film.
Ani is a fashion designer who is in love with the number one model, Mandakini. But she doesn't know. Mandakini is under the grip of Ajay, a shrewd, business minded model coordinator who thinks all women are commodities and sex objects. Ajay exploits Mandakini by deliberately pitting her against another model Sheeba. Sheeba, who is prepared to do anything for modelling fame, is naturally jealous of Mandakini's success. Ani spoils the designs of Ajay to seduce Mandakini, and finally makes her understand the reality. She slowly comes out of Ajay's influence.
The lead actors Anirudhdh and Akshay Krishna have delivered near perfect performances. Akshay Krishna should be applauded for taking on a negative role, but he is full of beans in this role.
The ample assets of the two heroines have been fully exploited by the cameraman. Radhika and Daamini have competed in skin show, something bound to please front-benchers. Suresh is also impressive as the villain's sidekick.
All in all, Good Luck is an above-average film. It could have been a better presentation if Nandakumar had explored the glamour world in more detail.
Rediff Rating: