Film: Toss
Cast: Raja, Priyamani, Upendra, Kamna Jethmalini, Suman, Venu Madhav, Vinodh Kumar, Ali, Krishna Bhagwan, Abhinayasree, Raghunatha Reddy and others
Music: Manisharma
Co-Producer: KK Radha Mohan
Cinematography: Surender Reddy
Produced by: Dev Amar
Story, Screenplay, Editing and Directed by: Priyadharshini Ram
Release date: July 14, 2007

What’s it about

It is about the war between two friends turned foes. Neelakantha (Upendra) is a gang leader and plans to vengeance on Parasuram (Raja). Neelakantha believes that Parasuram is the killer of his father. As he is on that mission, Neelakantha's sister (Priymani) falls in love with Parasuram. Only in the later half of the film that Neelakantha knows that it is Police Commissioner Naik (Suman) who killed his father. Rest of the film is foes turning friends again and taking vengeance together.

Analysis

Director Priyadarshini Ram made debut with Manodu. The film didn't bring him any laurels but he was recognized for his 'publicity'. This time he has roped in Kannada superstar Upendra who has following in mass audiences here for Toss. Upendra’s presence has created buzz around the film. But director Ram once again disappoints with his mediocre narrative skills. The script too predictable and the mayhem that he has created in the film in the name of action episodes is hard to digest.

The thread of Raja working for Police Department in the hope of becoming Police Officer is straight lift from Hong Kong film, Infernal Affairs. Apart from one or two scenes, there is nothing new to rave about. Ram's screenplay and his narrative skills that made audiences looking for Zandubalm or Amritanjan.

Toss is the first film in India that shot on Viper film stream, a third generation high definition camera. Though the effect of the camera was visible in the picturisation of title song, most of the film is looked 'blurred'.

Performances

Only Upendra's performance is eye-catching. He gives his best. It is better Raja stick to what he is at best - soft romantic movies. Priyamani and Kamna have provided glamour. Manisharma's music is good.

What's hot?

Nothing.

What's not?

Too Many.

Bottom-line

Toss has nothing new. It only confirms that director Priyadarshini Ram makes good publicity. But same is not applied to his films.