Film: 'Mussanje Maathu'; Director: Mahesh; Cast: Sudeep, Ramya, Ramesh Bhat, Sumithra, Mandya Ramesh, Anu Prabhakar

Good performances by lead actors Sudeep and Ramya, debutant director Mahesh's deft handling of an offbeat subject and melodious music by first-time music director Sridhar take 'Mussanje Maathu' to great heights.

While Sudeep and Ramya outshine each other with strong performances, director Mahesh ensures that the film is a touching drama with a high degree of sensitivity and emotions.

Though Mahesh shows a lot of maturity as a first-time director in handling emotional sequences, his comedy scenes are quite insipid. There are too many lengthy dialogues that often slacken the film's pace.

Besides these minor irritants, 'Mussanje Maathu' is a good and clean family-oriented film. The music and off-beat narrative are its strong points.

The movie revolves around Pradeep (Sudeep), a popular radio jockey who listens to people's emotional problems and advises them on having a positive outlook to life.

On one of his shows, Pradeep interacts with Tanu, an emotionally-disturbed girl. She changes her attitude in life on Pradeep's advice and the two become good friends and later fall in love. The gripping climax scene is the highlight of the film.

The songs are catchy and the melodious tunes of 'Ninna Nodalentho', 'Enaagalee Mundhe' 'Saagu Nee' and 'Kaddalu Manasanna' will linger in the minds of listeners. Sridhar has not only composed good music, but also written excellent lyrics for the song 'Enaagalee'.

Veteran cinematographer Sundaranath Suvarna and editor Seenu have done good work too.

Sudeep's body language, looks and new hair-do fit the radio jockey's role well. And this can be termed one of Ramya's best performances.

'Mussanje Maathu' is a highly emotional film, which often has the audience in tears.