'Venkata In Sankata' - a good laugh riot

Film: 'Venkata In Sankata'; Director: Ramesh Arvind; Cast: Ramesh Arvind, Sharmila Mandre, Anusha, Meghana, Devadas Kapikar, M.S. Umesh, Umashri and Sanketh Kashi; Music: Ricky Kej; Rating: ***1/2

'Venkata In Sankata' is a great entertainer that provides you with uninterrupted healthy comedy. Ramesh Arvind is successful both as an actor and a director in this hilarious film.

'Venkata In Sankata' has shaped up so well that it ends up as a perfect choice for enjoyable viewing for family audiences.

Ramesh has acted in umpteen number of comedies and has directed two in the list of his three directorial ventures. 'Venkata In Sankata' is certainly the best of the lot and an original creation. And as an actor, Ramesh shows off his wide ranging performance levels.

Starting from the film's first sequence, Ramesh, who has written the screenplay along with writer Thotapalli Madhu, makes it clear that logic has no place in the film. The film has slapstick comedy and situational comedy that are bound to generate uproarious laughter.

'Venkata In Sankata' is much more than a typical Ramesh Arvind film in the sense that it is his best mindless entertainer. A hilarious first half is followed by an even better second half. But for the unnatural climax sequence that, however, turns out to be a laugh riot, the film is a complete healthy family entertainer.

Another aberration is the way terrorists are projected in the film. They look like fools more than the indoctrinated radicals.

Ramesh plays the role of Inspector Venkata, who lands in trouble mainly because of his irresponsible and selfish assistant Laddu. Venkata always tries to do a good job as a policeman, but the credit of the good work somehow goes to Laddu, who always lands up in the right situations.

Venkata's grandmother takes him to a fraudulent palmist for advise, but his problems are only compounded and he is hooked by the palmist's daughter. Later Venkata pretends to be a college student to probe a terrorist link. What follows is a laugh riot. Finally, Venkata succeeds in his mission and also marries his lady love.

Ramesh gives a wonderful performance as the troubled inspector. Devadas Kapikar is brilliant in the role of Laddu. And Ramesh and Devadas have great onscreen chemistry.

Sharmila Mandre looks cute and has managed to deliver a neat performance as a TV reporter. Her rain song sequence is well-picturised. Newcomers Meghana and Anusha are impressive. Veteran artists Umashri, Sanketh Kashi, Daththanna, M.S. Umesh and Karibasavayya have done a good job.

Writer Thotapalli however overacts. The film marks a good beginning for many young artists.

Ricky Kej has composed two good tunes - 'Kuniyonu Baa' and the rain song. P.K.H. Doss is as usual brilliant behind the camera.

Go see the film in theatres and enjoy a full-fledged entertainer.

--IANS