Golden Star Ganesh and director Yogaraj Bhat form the most successful pair in Kannada cinema today. The combo struck gold in "Mungaaru Male", which went on to become the biggest blockbuster in the history of Kannada films. And their much-awaited "Gaalipata" hasn't belied the huge expectations either.

Bhat has again proved his narrative skills and Ganesh rocks too.

The film gives viewers their money's worth, with top-class technical contributions from some of South India's best technicians like cinematographer Rathnavelu, editor Suresh Urs and art director Shashidhara Adapa.

Hari Krishna's music is among the film's main attractions. "Minchaagi neenu baralu", rendered by Sonu Nigam, is already a hit among listeners.

The story revolves around three naïve and confused youngsters packing their bags and moving out of their city apartment into a remote, hill-tinged village.

The three guys, with different outlooks, encounter different experiences in the new environment, and Bhat ties them together into a treat for the audience.

There are scenes where Bhat does not seem to come out of the "Mungaru Male" hangover. But it is still a film that entertains without being formula-bound.

Ganesh, of course, walks away with the honours, but Diganth is a pleasant surprise.

Singer Rajesh Krishnan is in his elements in many sequences. Ananth Nag comes out with a commanding performance. Daisy Bopanna is cast in a different role and carries it off well.

While newcomer Bhavana Rao is spontaneous, Neetu fits her role.