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Neither Heads Nor Tails

APK | July 14, 2007

Rating: **.25 (***** Very Good, **** Good, *** Fair, ** Average, * Bad)

Cast: Upendra, Raja, Priyamani, Kamna Jethmalani, Ramya, Abhinayasri, Vinodkumar, Suman, Supreet, Krishna Bhagawan, Ali, Venumadhav and Others.
Cinematography: Surendra Reddy.
Dialogues: Sampath Nandi.
Music: Mani Sharma.
Story, Screenplay, Editing & Direction: Priyadarshini Ram.
Producer: Dev Amar.
Co-Producer: KK Radhamohan.
Banner: Dev Films Dreams.
Release Date: 14th July, 2007.

Toss does not have much to do with its title. If you are expecting a thrilling game of chance, then there is no chance. The story is predictable, but the best that can be said about Upendra-Raja starrer Toss directed by Priyadarshini Ram is that it's not entirely a bad watch. It is a sane movie considering Upendra's crazy ventures, and it is interesting considering Raja's record of boring Good-Boy roles.

Raja and Upendra

Plot Parasuram is working undercover for the police commissioner Nayak (Suman) to nab notorious goon Neelakantha and his gang red-handed. He falls in love with Neelakantha's blind sister Naina (Priyamani) and delays his task. Nayak gets restless, since he has to retrieve the 10 crores stolen by Neelakantha. It turns out there is more to the delay than just love, and each main character's past unravels.

Story, Screenplay and Direction The storyline has been done to death but a few things stand out. One is the take of three different characters of a certain situation-Neelakantha, Parasuram and Naina. Then, the songs by Mani Sharma and the picturization of each song are good. Third, it is filled with straight vulgar dialogues and characters that will please the masses.

The editing is jerky at times, but in the songs, the editing is very good. The climax also has some maverick themes and it makes you laugh and watch with much interest at the same time. The 'Anna-Chellamma' sentiment is now passé, but has been repeated in this movie with lot of gusto. Dhoom 2 sequence with Hrithik-Ash where they take a chance with the bullet in the gun has been used here, except its poison in glasses this time.

The first song has been shot well, like a music video. Abhinayasri, Krishna Bhagawan, Ali and Venumadhav come together for some dumb humor and dirty jokes. The way Parusuram outwits Krishna Bhagwan with his jewellery and the way he outwits Jeeva who prints fake notes is good. There are some screenplay glitches in the second half. Priyadarshini Ram has dubbed for Upendra and the deep husky voice works well for him, combined with the eye-rolling trick he performs.

Kamna Jethmalani and Priyamani

Performances Upendra's eccentricity and strange charisma shine through; he has a good presence and well-thought out moves. Raja is cast in a different role, and that is a relief, because he can perform. Priyamani is good, and Ramya-well, she makes a good pair with Upendra. As for Kamna, no one knows what she was doing in the movie. Suman has carried on his Shivaji mannerisms here.

Song and Dance A highlight. Mani Sharma's good music, good picturizations and thorough themes.

Last Word This is definitely one of Upendra's better movies. It does not come under 'good cinema'. Whether Upendra is your idol, or whether he amuses you, it is just Time-pass. In entirety, an old plot in a new avtar, some double meaning humor and skimpily-clad women dancing-and a few good scenes. That sums Toss up.