Minchina Ota

‘Minchina Ota’ illustrates the life of a criminal. The age old saying that crime does not pay is portrayed in this feature. Katte (Shankar) and Thatha (Loknath) are petty thieves who can’t seem to get a break in life. Their criminal past does not leave them wherever they go. Being the lazy and hopeless souls that they are, they decide to hit it big. They start jumping unsuspecting passers by on National Highways and relieving them of their automobiles.

Soon their jig is up when one of their stolen vehicles breaks down and Tony (Anant) is brought for help. Seeing that money is a free flowing concept in this criminal life, Tony joins hands with this crime duo. Soon the trio is hitting various spots and making away with vehicles. During this process they even manage to rope in another helpless soul Manju (Priya Tendulkar) into their criminal enterprise.

The cops are hot on their trail for a good part of the movie before finally clamping the trio down much to the delight of the pipe-smoking Inspector (Ramesh Bhat). As jailbirds Katte and Thatha seem to have found their peace but not Tony. His desperate self is trying to get away from the chains that bind him. A prison break is planned and executed to almost perfection by the three. But as it has happened in the past, as you sow so shall you reap. The same holds good for these guys’ fates.

‘Minchina Ota’ is considered one of Shankar Nag’s best works. Being an ardent Shankar fan myself, somehow, I missed the spark in this feature. The story has a very predictable process to it with no major surprises as such. The needless inclusion of songs makes this a rather casual affair. I had expected a tight edge-of-the-seat thriller but was disappointed to see another pot boiler termed as a ‘based on a true story’.

Performances wise everyone does a good job. It was refreshing to see the energetic Shankar Nag and Anant Nag brother duo. It is indeed an unfortunate blow that our industry lost a great artiste in Shankar.

Music is fair and editing is good. Supporting cast lend apt support as applicable.

Shankar does a good job at narrating a story that keeps its consistency despite the predictability factor. But for me, as I said, the ‘minchu’ was not that bright.

2.5 out of 5