Kariya (film)
Kariya is a 2003 Indian Kannada gangster film written and directed by Prem starring Darshan Thoogudeep and Abinayasri in the lead roles. It narrates the tragic story of a homeless assassin-for-hire Kariya who falls for Maya a well educated and rich dancer. Although she tries to convey her feelings Kariya hesitantly moves away causing her to pledge that she will only reciprocate his feelings if he proclaims his love for her. Parallelly, a few local thugs try to entrap Kariya and seek vengeance for the death of their friend.
The film received positive response from critics and audience alike and turned out to be a box office success. Kariya received acclaim for the raw depiction of crime. The film has attained a massive cult following and has been re-released more than 100 times on demand by the audience.
Cast
- Darshan Thoogudeep
- Abinayasri
- Mico Nagaraj
- Umesh Punga
- Nanda kishore
- Dashavara chandru
- Nandesh
- John
- B. Jayashree
- Five star Ganesh
- Dr. Suresh Sharma
- Real 23 Underworld Gangsters
Soundtrack
| S. No | Track Title | Lyricist | Singer |
| 1 | "Hrudayada Volage" | V. Nagendra Prasad | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Kavita Krishnamurthy |
| 2 | "Ell Ellinda" | Kaviraj | Gurukiran, Anuradha Paudwal |
| 3 | "Maathadu Saku" | V. Nagendra Prasad | Gurukiran |
| 4 | "Kenchalo Manchalo" | V. Nagendra Prasad | C. Ashwath, Gururaj Hoskote, Murali Mohan |
| 5 | "Nannali Naanilla" | Kaviraj | Udit Narayan, Shamitha |
Production
Kariya is the debut film of Prem as a director before Excuse Me. Having a gangster backdrop, director Prem and producer Anekal Balaraj bailed out 23 criminals to act in the film. Balraj tried to persuade a female mobster Mari Mutthu to act in the film. However, Mari Mutthu who was a councillor refused the offer fearing it might tarnish her reputation. Certain scenes involving these rowdies were shot in exactly the same spot where they have killed or assaulted their targets in the past. Darshan who made his debut through the crime film Majestic was chosen to play the titular role while Abhirami, daughter of actress Anuradha was signed in to play the female lead. Gurukiran has scored and composed the film's soundtrack. Cinematography was handled by Seenu.Release
Kariya received an A certificate from regional office of the Censor Board at Bangalore with the certificate dated 30 December 2002. The film was released on 3 January 2003.Reception
Critical Reception
According to Viggy, "There are some catchy dialogues and comedy to make you laugh if you are freezed looking at the blood pool." Though they criticised the musical score by Gurukiran and wrong casting of Darshan in the lead role, the film's cinematography and Prem's direction received praise. The similarities of certain scenes with that of Om and Satya were pointed out.Chitraloka criticised the film for not catering much to the women or the younger generation. But they praised Darshan's performance, Gurukiran's music and M. R. Seenu's camerawork were appreciated. The film was also lauded for its technical prowness.
Nettv4u gave the film 3.5 stars on 5 calling Kariya one of Darshan's best films which could draw more of his fans to theatres to watch the different effort. While the film received praise for its technical aspects, direction and cinematography the film was criticised for its violence.