Oke Okkadu Review

A corruption-free system, casteless society, literate and techno-savvy public, suave and educated leaders! No, this is no Utopian State envisaged by Plato for his Republic. It is a society that people will vote for in the 21st century. And if you think it is impossible, then don't miss out on this latest Arjun-starrer. In a decade of gauzy romances and MTV-hip glamour, Shankar, A M Ratnam and A R Rahman - the trio who had earlier made films like Bharateeyudu, Gentleman, Premikudu and Jeans - have come together to give yet another hard-hitting entertainer in Oke Okkadu.

If it was corruption in Bharateeyudu and reservations in Gentleman that were hit upon, Oke Okkadu is Shankar's statement on the nation's pet-hate - politics. The film is about the havoc politics plays with the life of an ordinary, close-knit family of Purushottam. A cameraman in the reputed QTV, Purushottam is promoted to the rank of a bureau chief, thanks to his never-say-die attitude. And what's more, his very first interview brings him face-to-face with the CM Chowdhary (Raghuvaran).

By a convulted turn of events, Chowdhary throws an open challenge to Purushottam to take on the CM's post for a day to understand the problems and pressures of heading a State. And even before you can blink your eyes, Purushottam is the new one-day CM. What's more, minutes after he is sworn in as the new CM, he starts typing in suspension orders for all corrupt officers and ministers, much to the chagrin of his political brethren.

However, real problems begin for the one-day CM, once out of office. Back to his regular schedule, Purushottam finds himself being drawn into the political web, much against his wishes. But one attempt on his life and the hitherto unambitious mediaman is ready to take on the ultimate challenge of politics. Voted back to power with an unprecedented majority (the figure puts it at 97 per cent), Purushottam sets out to realise his dream, losing his family in bargain.

Shankar starts off with a fabulous idea and succeeds in sustaining the drama till the very end. His hold on the nuances of the man-woman relationship becomes evident in the way he manages to intertwine the love story of Purushottam and Chandramukhi (Manisha Koirala), without losing focus on the main story. The way he handles the climax is also simply superb, especially the subtle way in which the transformation of Purushottam into a scheming politician is dealt with.

And when it is a film by Shankar, one can expect a visual delight. And Oke Okkadu is no different. Oomph of glamour, out-of-the-world dance sequences, impossibly exotic locales,energetic, catchy numbers by A R Rahman, mind-boggling special effects and spirited performances from its lead cast, all coupled with a fabulous plot make the film a must-see.