Tarak

STORY: NRI Tarak is an orphan and the grandson of Bengaluru-based businessman, who is also named Tarak. A pragmatic do-gooder, he falls in love with Meera, a selfless romantic who lives for the happiness of othes just like what her name alludes to. When she challenges him to test their love, do they emerge victorious?

REVIEW: Prakash of Milana fame is known for his family entertainers. The heart of all his subjects have a strong foundation centered around family values. This film has Darshan as the lead actor, someone whose bombastic mass image is what the fans root for. The combination hence has had people wondering what the duo will come up with. While family audiences have seen films like these in the past, what is refreshing is the fact that Darshan is seen in a subdued avatar, something that he hasn't done for a while. The film has some good moments, but the narrative falters in momentum in between, before gathering pace for an emotional climax.

This is not the typical mass entertainer. It has a cutesy love story that sets the prelude to a emotional family drama. The film begins with the introduction of a staunch patriach, who dotes on his grandson who hasn't visited him in over two decades. Both of them are named Tarak. The grandson, an orphan, lives with a caretaker who he considers his mother. When he finds unconditional love in the form of Meera, he yearns for a happy married life. But predicaments force him to move to India and live with his grandfather, where he encounters Sneha, who becomes his good friend like her name suggests. What becomes of Tarak's life forms the rest of the story.

While the family tale might not be something new, what works for the film are some good performances. Devaraj as the patriarch who bends for none is a revelation. Shanvi Srivastava is the other one who leaves a fine impression. Darshan in a new mellow avatar packs in the necessary punches, but also gives a restrained performance that is commendable. Sruthi Hariharan delivers a noteworthy act too. The story begins with a sweet love story, but meanders midway as it delves into a family drama. An emotional climax gets hold of the viewers. A couple of songs too linger on, especially the sentimental Birugaliyonde.

This film might not be the regular masala fare that Darshan fans are used to, but the sentiments and story are something different for them, which is definitely worth a watch. It could have had some deft editing to make it a more crisp tale, but that can be pardoned since there is no excessive jingoism that big star films come with.