Everyone knows that, with Darshan as the hero, Thangigaagi is a remake of the Tamil hit Tiruppachchi, which had Vijay in the lead. The verdict: Remakes of hits do not guarantee box office success.

One expected something different from Thangigaagi, mainly because of Darshan, who hasn't been doing anything wrong these days. His image as an action star was believed to be an indication of definite success. But, Thangigaagi is a big letdown. Darshan has done his best to save it, of course, with superb fight sequences and trademark dialogues, but there is little we haven't seen in his earlier films.

The dialogues by Perarasu (director of Thirupachchi) had great impact in the original. In Thangigaagi, the lines seem unreal and ordinary. Perarasu had also added subtle sentimental touches to the original, giving an otherwise predictable action film a distinct look. But, Thangigaagi suffers on this count as well. The film also fails on the comedy front.

The end result is a product that doesn't take off from scene one until the end of the first half. It comes to life only in a few sequences in the second half.

Darshan tries his best and is good in the action sequences. Heroine Poonam Baffna can in no way be compared to Trisha [Images], who put in a lively performance in the Tamil film. Rangayana Raghu plays the role of the villain and speaks in a different modulated voice. Dharma as Pataaki Balu is just ordinary. Bullet Prakash impresses in one scene, but shouts in the most important sequence.

P N Sathya, director-writer of the film, has not taken care to present these sequences well. It looks as if the director was interested in getting the fight sequences right and forgot to focus on the other sequences. The music by Sadhu Kokila is another weak point. Even Anaji's photography lacks innovation.

Thangigaagi will end up as disappointing fare for Kannada moviegoers looking for a bright Diwali release.

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