Movie : Duniya
Year : 2006
Cast : Vijay, Rashmi, Rangayana Raghu
Music : V. Manohar
Lyrics : V. Manohar, V. Nagendra Prasad, Ranganath, Yogaraj Bhatt
Direction : Soori
Producer : TP Siddaraju, AT Lokesh
DVD Info
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DVD 9-English Subtitles-NTSC All Regions-5.1 Dolby Digital-Anamorphic Wide Screen DVD
Review
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Duniya' strikes you with the raw and stark authenticity of its presentation from start to finish. This believable film made by a team of youngsters had become a talking point in the industry as soon as its trailers were flashed in the channels. For director Soori it was the first venture in direction. Vijay who was doing some small roles in films was offered the hero's role for the first time and for the film's heroine Rashmi who had no previous experience in the performing. And for Sathya Hegde, the ad cinematographer of the corporate world, it was a great opportunity for to shoot the stark and stupid world of underworld dons, drunkards, pimps and exploiters. There is not even one sequence in the film which looks far fetched except for one dream song which might have been included for the commercial compulsions.
The film trailers looked different which gave an impression that the film would not be a stereotyped run of the mill venture. And the film's director Soori had already made a mark as a dialogue writer with a difference through his work in films like "Mani', "Ranga S.S.L.C.'. Soori who was looked as a youngster with a bright future does not disappoint such expectations and perceptions. He makes a film with a difference and certainly "Duniya' is one good film that can be remembered for its brilliant presentation of an alien world of the ever struggling people living in slums. It tells the story of the people who live in extremely difficult environs, which are exploited by the cruel society, whose aspiration levels are lowest but still they find it difficult to get a fair deal for their lives.
Duniya also tells the story of the mean and crude Bangalore underworld where the fittest will survive with their money and muzzle power. Soori has relied more on the reality and has taken his camera to depleted and exhausted structures. Soori has used his talents as a writer of brilliance to bring about the world of dark shades. His dialogues add the needed punch to the film's presentation.
The protagonist of the film is Shivalingu, an uneducated but innocent person who can not count more than twelve. He comes from a village to the city after burying his dead mother in search of a living. In a quirk of circumstances Shivu has to save Poorni, a college going girl who is taking refuge in a hostel. The couple is trapped by the police as they are in the company of some dadas. Then Poorni is shunted out from her Ashram and has no other go than to be with Shivu. Shivu becomes a pawn in the hands of some local thugs who use him for their work. But his innocence and honest traps Poorni who wants to reform him. Poorni starts loving Shivu, but he does not have any feelings towards her. Shivu becomes a victim of the gang wars and his name is associated with two murders that he had not committed. The police hunt makes his life extremely miserable. Then Poorni decides it is better to end life with Shivu than making him the target of Police.
Vijay and Rashmi have given the best in their roles of Shivu and Poorni. Vijay scores points even in his fights. Rashmi can be banked as a good performer. Then there are the veterans like Rangayana Raghu and Kishor who steal the show. Most of the other characters have been handled by freshers with much aplomb. Particularly the artists who have performed in the roles of Loose Mada, Petrol and Doopa.
As earlier said Sathya Hegde is the sole of the film, while Sadhu Kokila has delivered the best music of his career for this film. Even the editing is sharp and racy.
"Duniya' is a film that should not be missed as it is a top class presentation. It is strongly recommended for film buffs who want to see different type of films.