Love (2004 film)

Love is a 2004 Indian Kannada-language romance film written, directed and produced by Rajendra Singh Babu. The film stars Mohanlal, Aditya, making his debut, and Rakshita in lead roles, while Amrish Puri and Kota Srinivasa Rao feature in supporting roles. This was also Mohanlal debut in Kannada. The film features soundtrack composed by Bollywood composer Anu Malik, marking his debut in Kannada cinema. A. R. Rahman's Airtel jingle was featured and reused for another four similar tunes in the film. The film was dubbed and released in Telugu as Prema Nagar and in Malayalam as Aey Taxi.

Plot
The story is about the romantic relationship between Vicky and Ganga that begins from Kashi and then travels to Dubai. Tragedy starts with Jai Jagadish and ends with Saligrama Oberoi. Ganga, who mistakes Vikram to be a womaniser, understands his character when he saves her from a fire accident. They become lovers, but things change when a mysterious woman enters their lives.

Production
Mohanlal made his Kannada cinema debut with the film, as a taxi driver. The film was shot in locations such as Allahabad and Varanasi, a month long shoot was conducted in Dubai from November 2003. Mohanlal joined the film in November in Dubai. The film was written, directed and produced by Rajendra Singh Babu. His son Aditya made his acting debut with the film in the leading role.

Soundtrack
The music of the film was composed by veteran Bollywood music composer Anu Malik, making his debut in Kannada cinema. The makers also used A. R. Rahman's Airtel jingle was featured in the original soundtrack album and reused for another four similar tunes in the movie.

Telugu dubbed version is titled Prema Nagar.

The Malayalam dubbed version was titled Aey Taxi.

Release and reception
Love was released on 9 July 2004. The film was dubbed and released in Telugu as Prema Nagar and in Malayalam as Hey Taxi.

The reviewer for Deccan Herald called the film "a disappointing fare" and criticized its plot. Of the acting performances, they wrote, "Actingwise, Adithya has put in good efforts. There is nothing much to say about Rakshitha's performance as she has done similar roles earlier. Arun Sagar in the role of Amrish Puri's son is wasted." The reviewer concluded writing, "Camerawork gets noticed particularly in Banaras and Dubai desert scenes. Anu Malik's musical score has nothing new. The only songs by A R Rahman's were good." Sify wrote "This is a big budget film shot in the picturesque locales of Varanasi, Dubai and other exotic locations on a lavish scale. The songs, cinematography and actions are well conceived but the director has not given any importance to the story which is predictable and banal".