Soundarya, directed by Channagangappa, is a film that blends a family drama and crime very well. It's engaging first half and interesting climax makes up for the middle part of the film, which is quite repetitive.

Based on his experiences while working as a senior government official in Bangalore, Channagangappa's film tells a story of the land mafia and the cascading effect on an innocent family.

The film takes an unexpected turn when the hero indulges in an act to save his family's prestige. What happens later and how the trauma faced by the family is resolved forms the crux of the story. 

Ramesh Arvind in a serious role excels, managing to portray the trials and tribulations of an industrialist very realistically.  Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Saakshi Shivanand who plays his wife. In fact, she is one of the low points of the film. 

But the credit goes to Channagangappa, who has grown as a director from his first film, Nannaseya Hoov.  However, Soundarya could have done with better editing. Music by Hamsalekha and camerawork by Giri elevate the film to a higher level. 

Soundarya is different from the run of the mill films you see every week, and will satisfy all those who like something new. 

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