Film : Santhu Straight Forward
Cast: Yash, Radhika Pandit, Devaraj, Shyaam, Anant
Director: Mahesh Rao
Santhu Staight Foward is a perfect example of a commercial film. It follows a safe storyline -- boy meets girl story, and with a little help from friends and a loving family, the two end up together. All a steady march towards a happy ending.
Though it is a tried and tested template, this still makes for a one-time watch because Yash keeps the show going. The title character Santhu is a carefree youngster, who believes in being straight forward and his parents are proud of their son's open nature.
Enter Ananya (Radhika Pandit) an architecture student and it is love at first sight for Santhu. But his dreams suffer a crushing blow when he gets to know Ananya is engaged to Deva (Shyaam) a builder and her maternal uncle. The rest of the story is whether Santhu plans to propose to Ananya and how he wins her over.
Director Mahesh Rao, who has also written the story, did scream from the roof top that his film
Santhu Straight Forward is an original script and not a remake. Sadly, the plot not only carries the thread from Tamil film, Vaalu, but also sees other elements that are borrowed — scenes from other languages and of well known films such as Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and 3 Idiots. Having said that, the director
succeeds in bringing out an entertainer that has the right amount of love, family sentiments, songs and action sequences that pop up dutifully at regular intervals.
This role is a cake walk for Yash, who carries the film on his shoulders. He knows what best works for him at present and has followed it in style. Joining Yash is Radhika Pandit, who not only makes for a pretty picture, but adds to the film with her presence. Of course, one should look out for the good chemistry the duo share on-screen.
Shyaam as antagonist and Devaraj as Santhu's father keep the movie going. Girish who plays the hero's friend brings in a dose of comedy. Supporting them are Anant Nag, Sumithra and Seetha among the ensemble cast.
Santhu... has rich production qualities thanks to cinematogapher I Andrew.
V Harikrishna has mastered the art of blending music with the film's storyline.
The film has a thin plot but it keeps you entertained.
It's out-and-out Yash's show that cannot be missed by his fans.