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Ravichandran shines in Hoo

June 04, 2010 17:19 IST

Ravichandran chooses Hoo, the Kannada commercial potboiler, to reconnect with his fans after a gap of over two years.

The actor has even written the screenplay and directed this film which celebrates true friendship.

Anand (Ravichandran) and Jasmine (Meera Jasmine) are childhood friends. Anand wants to emerge as the country's leading chess player. Despite no support from his money-minded and insensitive family members, Anand manages to qualify for a competition, all thanks to Jasmine and her kind hearted father's (Rangayana Raghu) moral and financial support. 

Noticing his winning abilities, an academy owner decides to train Anand. But the contestant he beats to get into the tournament vows to make Anand pay for his win. Will there be fair play? Well, we won't play 'foul' and give away any more of the plot at least.

Hoo reminds you of Venkatesh starrer Vasantham, but Ravichandran adopts a different screenplay and narration technique. The film rests heavily on S Mohan's dialogues.

Comedy is the film's other strength. It is just not Bullet Prakash and Sharan who tickle your funny bone, but Chitra Shenoy and Pavitra Lokesh too. In fact you'll see Pavitra suffering from a Malla (It was one of Ravichandran'spopular films in which she had played Nanji, who is crazy about him) hangover. The Nanji track could have been cut short by a few minutes, though.

The scenes between Raghu and his 'dead' wife are not too impressive either. However Raghu breaks his funny man image yet again with this film. He is convincing as a doting father. It's image makeover for Prakash Raj who appears in a small role as well.

Ravichandran doesn't disappoint as a loving friend. He comes with some of his trademark style and dance steps in this film as well. Meera Jasmine carries off the girl-next-door image with ease. Namita offers a paisa vasool experience. Apart from turning on the heat with her moves and shakes, she manages to make her acting not look pale.

Harikrishna's composition Sarigama.... will linger on for a while. Other songs picturised on Ravichandran and Namitha will appeal to the masses. There are also chances of a song that is picturised on Pavithra, Namita and the hero, leaving you with discomfort. 

Hoo is sure to appeal to Ravichandran's fans.

Rediff Rating:

Shruti Indira Lakshminarayana Bangalore