'Mooru Guttu...' a laugh riot

By R.G. Vijayasarathy, Film: 'Mooru Guttu Ondhu Sullu Ondhu Nija'; Director: Dinesh Baboo; Cast: Ramesh Arvind, Komal, Nancy, Asha Latha, Sreenivasa Murthy and Sudha Belawadi; Music: Suman Shashtry; Rating: ***

"Mooru Guttu Ondhu Sullu Ondhu Nija" is yet another comedy caper from director Dinesh Baboo. The highlight of this film is the good on-screen chemistry between Ramesh Arvind and Komal.

Though the film has been shot within 13 days on a shoe-string budget, it stands out because of its entertaining moments, quality music and good performances.

Babu has used the same formula that has won him acclaim in many of his previous hits like "Garagasa" and "Hendhtige Heltheeni". Like his earlier movies, "Mooru Guttu..." also has lots of pure comedy and a little bit of the emotional quotient towards the end.

Besides Ramesh Arvind and Komal, the film has dependable performers like Sreenivasa Murthy, Asha Latha, Sharan and Mandya Ramesh. Suma Shashtry's background score, particularly in the climax sequence, is another highlight.

The film has some failings too - the slow narration in the beginning and the loud comic elements portrayed through Asha Latha's character. In a few sequences, Ramesh also ends up shouting his dialogues, which mars the film's rhythm.

The story is about a couple who heads to Tirupati on a pilgrimage, leaving behind their son Sidhdhu and three daughters Ramya, Sowmya and Niki at home. The wayward son and two of his sisters hatch a plan to spend time with their close friends or lovers during the night while the parents are away.

But the youngest daughter has a sleep-walking problem and ends up disturbing the lovers. Meanwhile, a stranger called Appu enters the house, adding to the chaos in the house. The climax sequence reveals Appu's real identity and the reasons behind his entry.

Both Ramesh Arvind and Komal have done a fantastic job in the film.

Ramesh's efforts in talking in a Mandya villager's accent has added to the film's quality. He makes a late entry but takes over the entire film, making audiences laugh.

Mandya Ramesh and Sharan appear in just one sequence. Other artists like Nandini and Sreenivasa Murthy have performed their roles with ease.

On the whole, "Mooru Guttu..." is highly entertaining.

--IANS