After doing a fine job with Aa Dinagalu as a script writer, Agni Shreedhar makes a promising start as a director with Kannada film Thamassu. The film set against the backdrop of communal violence, etches the self- realisation process of a trigger-happy cop.
Shankar (Shivarajkumar), a tough cop, is injured during a Hindu-Muslim riot and lands up at the doorstep of a Muslim family. The daughter of the house, Amreen (Harshika Poonacha), along with her father (Nasser), nurses him. But Shankar realises that the family is that a young 'terrorist' he had encountered in the past. When he becomes aware of the youngster's family background, Shankar starts doubting his judgment. Should he have heard his peace loving doctor wife Shanti (Padmapriya) when she argued that violence was not the ultimate solution?
Thamassu is Shankar's journey from darkness to light. It is the story of how one night in his life changes his outlook and makes him more humane. The riots taking place outside act as a suitable canvas for Shankar's inner debate.
Shivarajkumar brings out the struggle within well. He is also good in the scene where he proposes to Padmapriya; this scene comes as a good comic relief.
Padmapriya's screen space is limited, but she takes centre stage whenever on screen.
Harshika plays a morose and helpless girl. Shobraj as an MLA, who represents politicians who instigate communal clashes and cash in on them, is great.
The names of the characters are very symbolic and add to the plot.
The film comes with some heavy duty dialogues and while they work at most places, some get preachy. Shivarajkumar's punch dialogues will please his fans.
Sandeep Chowta's music and Ramya and Agni Shridhar's lyrics go hand in hand, but a few songs could have been done away with. The cinematography also stands out in some scenes.
Thamassu is a film that makes you think.
Rediff Rating: 
