Film review: ''Little John''

A STORY that is straight out of a comic book, Media Dreams' ``Little John'' (also released in Hindi and English) is a time- tested tale of good vs evil.

In the current scenario where most films are either love stories or social drama, it is quite refreshing to watch a fantasy with ancient temples, good Swamis, evil sadhus and disappearing jewels with awesome magical powers. well, one also has to remember to `willingly suspend disbelief'.

Kala Bhairava (Prakash Raj with his matted hair, and dark make-up looks menacing) is waiting for Goddess Parvati to take a trip to her Heavenly Abode so that he can get the nose ring that adorns the idol of an ancient temple. This event happens once in 1000 years. But the nose ring is protected by a pious saffron clad Swamiji (Anupam Kher), who is constantly engaged in some yagna or the other.

In the midst of all this arrives Tamil-speaking American anthropologist John McKenzie (Bentley Mitchum). Yes... he knows about the famed jewel but not enough of the legend surrounding it. So he comes to the little town and stays with his friend's family and ... you've guessed it, Vani (Jyothika) is the sister.

Meanwhile, in a telepathic battle that ensues between Bhairava and the swami, the nose ring disappears.

And John begins his magical journey into the unknown (at least as far as he is concerned) to the temple set in idyllic settings (thanks to Penta Media graphics). In his quest, John encounters all kinds of obstacles, but he does not expect to be cut to size... literally! (just like in ``Honey, I Shrunk The Kids''). But how does `little' John get back his lost height? Simple... get back the jewel and its powers will put things back in order.

Pure entertainment... that is the bottomline of the film by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. There is a lot of humour and wit, what with `Crazy' Mohan penning the dialogue. Though the songs are tuneful (music by Pravin Mani), they do not fit into the scheme of things.

Bentley Mitchum looks every bit a tourist, camera, bermudas et al. He is cute and, despite the language barrier, emotes well. Jyothika is full of life, though her role is not too well etched out. Prakash Raj exercises his vocal chords to the maximum whenever he appears but thankfully, his is a cameo. Anupam Kher as the Swamiji sails through but Nasser as the cop is just wasted.

``Little John'' is a light-hearted entertainer, ideal for kids.

SAVITHA PADMANABHAN

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Section  : Entertainment
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