Ambi Ning Vayassaytho

Ambi, a former stunt master in films, lives with his son and his family after his retirement. But the sedentary lifestyle is not his cup of tea and Ambi sets out on a journey to find Nandini — the first woman that he loved.

Ambi Ning Vysaitho is the remake of the Tamil film Pa Paandi. This Kannada adaptation has been tailored in such a way that it fits the Kannada audience preferences and also works for Ambareesh’s image. It has been a while since Ambareesh has done a full-fledged role in a Kannada film, and this one provides ample treats. There is some action, comedy and romance — all enough to get fans excited.

The film begins with Ambi's son, Ajay, lodging a complaint that his father is missing. One is then introduced to the carefree life of Ambi, a retired stunt master and a do-gooder, who lives with his son and his family. Ambi finds it hard to lead the sedentary lifestyle and tries to keep himself busy with part-time jobs and also some cleansing of the society. One of his ordeals leads his son to have an altercation with him, which makes Ambi pack his bags and leave with his bike. One later learns that Ambi yearns for his first love, Nandini, who he sets out to find.

It is always nice to see films that have their heart firmly in place. The emotions, then, never cease to fail you. Ambi Ning Vyasaitho is one such film. Whether it is the retired Ambi finding solace in conversations with his grandkids or his much younger neighbour, or the elation after discovering social media and the fact that he can find his first love online — these are moments that make one grin and smile. Then there is the innocent love of young Ambi and Nandini. The awkward yet lovable chemistry between Sudeep and Sruthi Hariharan makes one want to see more of the duo and root for them. And then there is the joy of seeing Suhasini Maniratnam once again as the confident Nandini, who can make men go weak in the knees — a special feeling for Kannada cinephiles indeed.

Ambi Ning Vysaitho is an earnest attempt and the story especially manages to strike a chord in the second half, towards the climax. It is heartwarming that such tales are being written and being chosen to be made with such aplomb. If you are the sort who likes masala, but also wants to see a story in place, Ambi Ning Vyasaitho is definitely a film that could interest you. After all, Ambi might have aged and it might show in certain scenes, but seeing him sway to the catchy Hey Jaleela with his signature zest is what a good film experience is all about.