With six hits in a row, Puneet Raj Kumar is the hottest star of the Kannada film industry. Producer Rockline Venkatesh's box office record is also impeccable, with back to back hits like Mourya and Varsha. So, naturally, when both came together to create Aajay -- even if it was a remake of the Telugu blockbuster Okkudu -- expectations were high.

Yes, Aajay had a huge, sensational opening. However, it failed to live up to expectations mainly because of director Mehar Ramesh's indifferent handling of the subject. When the Mahesh Babu [Images] starrer Okkudu was remade in Tamil as Gilli with Vijay and Trisha [Images] in the lead, it turned out to be a big hit. Somehow, Aajay lacks the tempo of Okkudu and Gilli.

First, let's talk about the positive factors -- first being the power-packed performances of Puneet and Prakash Raj [Images]. Puneet has really outshone himself in many action sequences. He also looks natural and lively in the song sequences. Prakash Raj has, as usual, given a perfect performance. The way he delivers dialogues in a Northern Karnataka accent is enjoyable. It is electrifying whenever these two meet on screen. The chase sequences are another highlight, and the film is also technically sound.

But director Mehar Ramesh, who had earlier worked with a top director like Puri Jagannadh and also directed Veera Kannadiga with Puneet Raj Kumar, does not handle the subject well. The tempo is also slow when compared to the original.

Aajay is a happy-go-lucky, daredevil youngster studying in Bangalore. He is the son of an honest ACP. On a trip to Hubli, he finds Padma being tormented by Veerabhadra, a big don. Aajay attacks Bhadra and rescues Padma. He is moved by her tragic tale and promises to ensure her safe passage to America, where she plans to go for higher studies. Meanwhile, a humiliated Veerabhadra uses all his powers, including his political connections, to get back Padma and kill Aajay. In the meanwhile, as expected, Padma falls for him. In the end, Aajay wins both the battle with the bad guy and the girl.

Mansiharma, a top music director of Telugu films, has just rehashed his own tunes from some other Telugu films including the song Hare Rama Hare Krishna from Okkudu. Although his background score is effective, the same cannot be said of the songs.

Aajay is enjoyable fare for large sections of the Kannada film audience who have not seen Okkudu,  but it can be a little disappointing for those who have seen the original and its Tamil remake, Gilli.

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