Producer : Krishan Kumar (Prajwal) Story, Screenplay & Direction : P.Vasu Music: Gurukiran Cast : Dr.Vishnuvardhan, Avinash, Vimala Raman, Lakshmi Gopalswamy, Sandhya, Komal Kumar, Vinaya Prasad & Others. Story: Aptharakshaka, the last movie of Dr.Vishnuvardhan is a very good movie in its content as well as end result. This also happens to be the legend's 200th movie. Aptharakahsaka is true to the saying that "A movie is not made alone and that it is only through the strongest contributions from everyone involved that a film achieves excellence". Most of the cine goers are certain to leave the theatres thinking, "this is exactly what is needed for the kannada cine industry". What a tribute to this legendary actor, He started his career with a hit and winds it up with another blockbuster. The story of the movie is pretty much like Apthamitra knitted around the famous spirit Nagavalli who is here to haunt you again. Nagavalli resurfaces in the movie and is aptly explained by Ramachandra Arya (Avinash) as to how she took the form a snake and left the soul in the first part.The difference in this version is that she scares the audience even more and is also accompanied by a 30 feet snake. The humming of the tune "Ra Ra" sends the crowd in the theaters to root and wolf whistle. Nagavalli has surely mesmerized and has weaved her magic spell on the audience. This time the characters, the problems and the solutions are given a different treatment. The story begins with the painting of Nagavalli reaching the hands of a painter. The poor painter is forced to sell the painting as his work by his wife to make some money. But this thought somehow doesn't go well with the painter and ends up losing his life to Nagavalli. The painting is then given as a prize in a dance competition to a couple. Immediately the husband loses his life while transporting the painting and then finally the painting lands in to the house of the wife Saraswathi (Lakshmi Gopalswamy). Srinivas Murthy is the head of the house. He has a wife (Vinaya Prasad) and has three daughters and his brother in law Ramesh Bhat. Bhavana plays the role of a painter, Lakshmi Gopalswamy is seen in the role of a dancer and Sandhya as a research scholar. Due to reasons unknown to the family, any attempt to get one of the daughters married leads to disastrous results. Based on a suggestion from his friend, Srinivas Murthy brings in Ramachandra Acharya (Avinash) for solving the problem. With his divine skills, the Acharya comes to know that the cause of the problem is Nagavalli and calls in Captain Dr.Vijay the psychiatrist for help. Post interval, the movie deals with the story of the king Vijayendra Bahadur, his atrocities against Nagavalli (Vimala Raman) and her parmor (Vineeth). After slaying Nagavalli's parmor and burning her, Vijayendra Bahadur leaves the kingdom facing revolt from his people. The spirit of Nagavalli is in search of this king who is believed to be alive somewhere. The concept of some sages and saints leaving in the Himalayas for hundreds of years has been cleverly adapted here and you see the old Vijayendra Bahadur still alive. Rest of the story is about how Vijay finds out in whose body the spirit has taken solace in Srinivas Murthy's family and help the sprit through divine and scientific methods to take revenge. Performances: No amount of praise would be enough for the performance of one man above all others in this endeavour. Vishnuvardhan's unrestrained spontaneity sparkles in every frame. He proves again that he is quietly one of the kannada cinema's finest actors and as the spine of Aptarakshka, He helps this movie take credit for telling a story as well as taking a stand. His depiction of two roles and also with three different voices is mind blowing. Not all actors can perform a king's role and Vishnuvardhan has carried it off with great majesty and style.He seems to know exactly what the writer-director expects from him. And he delivers it in style. His style of saying Haula Huala brings his fans on their feet and dance in joy. The last dance that Vishnu performs in rain will remain in the minds of the audience and will haunt them even after they are out of the theater. As Vishnuvardhan's foil, Avinash essays the role of the Acharya with enough panache to make one want to request that he be given the job for real. Komal provides the necessary and well deserved laugh through out the movie. Some of the comical situations that he and Vishnu are in are hilarious. The lady casts of Vimala Raman, Lakshmi Gopalswamy, Sandhya and Bhavana have essayed their part to perfection. Rest of the supporting cast deliver exquisite performances. Music & Direction: Good plot, effective dialogue and stellar performances are the trifecta that ensures an excellent success for writer and director P.Vasu, at least on a qualitative level. The songs are exactly what the film needs, pleasant and soulful throughout with a background score that enhances them, using the soundscape of the songs itself.All the songs are a delight to watch on the screen and Gurukiran redeems himself in the movie. He has not let the team down and Gharane Gharane and Chamundi Thayi Aane will haunt you for quiet a long time. The cinematography by P.K.H Das and the editing by Suresh Urs complement each other and stay true to the film. Does Aptharakshaka, the continuation of Nagavalli saga which comes five years after the first, make the grade? The audience has already given a qualified yes. Ultimately, Aptharakshaka is Vishnuvardhan's dream and moment. And so you shed a tear in his memory and leave the hall with a fond smile on your lips, secretly remembering the rain dance and shouting Haula Haula in your head knowing he would have liked it.