Jaaji Mallige Movie Review

Movie Review By Raju Shanbhag

Borrowed Jasmine

“If the girl I love ditches me and spoils my life, why can’t I file a case against that in the court?” asks a weeping Ajai Rao in a crowded court. But if we are being fed with an endless series of remakes in the name of entertainment and if we have to watch them every Friday, why can’t we file a case against the producers in the court; I ask in a not so crowded theatre.

Jaaji Mallige is a remake of Dhanush’s Devathaye Kandein, and that proves that this is a new age Kannada film, which usually is a faithful remake of Tamil or Telugu film. The film has some novelty factor in its screenplay, especially in the last half an hour. But then, Udaya Movies plays many such films every day for free.

Ajay Rao plays a tea vendor in Jaaji Mallige who falls in love with a girl in the college where he serves tea. The whole first half is reserved for this love affair and at some point of time, you feel as if you are sipping a sugarless tea. There are some humorous moments with Komal, Nagashekhar and company like a bun with the evening tea, but they cannot be the main course, and hence, it would be wrong to say that they keep you entertained.

The bland taste of the film suddenly turns spicy in the second half as Ajai’s lover gleefully ditches him and decides to marry a doctor. Trust me; the hell hath no fury like a tea vendor scorned! Ajai decides to take the matters into the court where a resigned Brahmavar, sitting in the judge’s place listens patiently to this bizarre tale. Thankfully, he is stopped just before he gives his phenomenal judgment by a heroin with a great presence of mind, who re-declares her undying love to the hero. But the climax really has a nice twist and the film ends in an unexpected manner.

Ajay turns in a neat performance as a tea vendor. He looks believable when he fights, and he looks perfectly pathetic when he cries. The man has the height, looks and the talent to be a top notch hero in Kannada, provided he looks above mediocre scripts (at least by using his height!)

Heroin Gauri Munjal is like the milk in the tea. She is the central character in the whole film; but she is almost invisible even if she is right in front of you! Komal steals the thunder with some titillating dialogues and it’s his presence that makes the first half bearable.

Jaaji Mallige would have got at least half a star more if it wasn’t a remake. But then, we should always discourage the habit of producers make us drink left over tea.

However tasty they are.

Jaaji Mallige Cast and Crew:

Director:	Anantha Raju
Producer:	Anaji Nagaraj, Jayanna
Starring:	Ajay Rao, Gauri Munjal, and Komal.
Music Director:	Sadhu Kokila
Cinematographer:	M.R.Seenu