Raja Rathnakara Kannada movie review , songs , trailer

Director Veeresh Bommasagar makes his Sandalwood debut with Raja Rathnakara, a commercial romantic drama that attempts to blend youthful rebellion with moral awakening. While the film treads a wellworn path, it offers moments of emotional resonance and a few sparks of cinematic flair. Raja (Chandan Raj) is a 25 year old from a lower middle class background who survives on scams, lies, and shortcuts. Arrogant and streetsmart, he’s the kind of guy every parent warns their child about. He ignores the struggles of his aging grandfather (Nagaraj Rao), who runs a flower stall, and his mother (Yamuna Srinidhi), a domestic worker. Raja’s life takes a turn when he falls for a principled college student (Vidya Shri). To impress her, he goes to absurd lengths—selling his phone, stealing his mother’s mangalsutra, washing tea cups, and even selling blood to raise ₹10,000. But when she challenges his very way of life, Raja is forced to confront the consequences of his choices. The film follows his internal tugofwar: Will he change, or remain tethered to his reckless past?

Chandan Raj as Raja delivers a committed performance, especially in action and dance sequences. He captures the brashness of a wayward youth convincingly. Vidya Shri has limited screen time but serves as the moral compass of the story.  Nagaraj Rao and Yamuna Srinidhi bring emotional weight as Raja’s neglected elders. Chethan Durga, Dingri Naresh, and Naresh offer comic relief and support. Veeresh’s direction is sincere. Music by Harshavardhan Raj is serviceable, Cinematography by Siddu Kanchanahalli captures the gritty textures of Raja’s world, especially the templeside flower stall and bustling streets.

The film critiques the “easy money” mindset and glorifies hard work and integrity. Raja’s neglect of his mother and grandfather is a cautionary tale about misplaced priorities. The heroine’s moral clarity forces Raja to see himself for who he truly is. The film underscores that transformation is possible—but only if one is willing to confront the truth.

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▶ Sundari Sukumari

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