Banner: Reliance, Sri Venkateswara Cine Chita LLP
Cast: NTR, Rakulpreet Singh, Jagapathibabu, Rajendraprasad, Rajiv Kanakala, Avasarala Srinivas, Madhubala
Music: Devi Sriprasad
Cinematography: Vijay Chakravarthy
Editing: Naveen Nuli
Executive producer: Sudheer
Producer: BVSS Prasad
Story, Screenplay, Direction - Sukumar
This film is a story of son's love for the father. NTR had said that in real life too, he loves his father very much and said he liked working for the movie because of his love for his father. Sukumar, who is known for making films with novel themes, has unveiled NTR in a refreshingly different avatar. Where does this flick position itself in the Sankranthi race? While a clear picture would emerge after the other three films get released, let's review the film.
Story
Abhi (NTR)'s father (Rajendraprasad) wants him to take revenge against Krishnamurthi, who duped him in business. It is because of this betrayal that his father Ramesh Chandra Prasad changes his identity to Subramanyam and lives in anonymity. Krishnamurthi, who heads KK Group of industries, is a big shot and Subramanyam's first two sons feel it is impossible to avenge their father. But, the third son Abhi decides to fulfil father's dream. He traps Divyanka (Rakulpreet), who is the daughter of Krishnamurthi. Krishnamurthi proves that Abhi is the son of his rival and Divyanka starts hating him. Mindgame between Abhi and Krishnamurthi begins and Abhi challenges that he would turn Krishnamurthi into a pauper. How he does that? What mind games does he play? What does he do to make Krishnamurthi to live in anonymity? Will Abhi marry Divyanka? Answers to these questions is the sum and substance of the film.
Performance
NTR fits to the T in the role of London-dwelling Abhiram. His hairstyle, costumes, acting skills present us a newlook NTR. His acting in the hospital episode is very touching. His plays a calculated hero who plays the mindgame very effectively. Rakulpreet looks very glamorous and her dialogues in heavily accented Telugu are very good. Jagapathi Babu plays a very stylish millionnaire with negative shades very effectively. Rajendraprasad shows whyhe is a great actor. Rajiv Kanakala, Avasarala Srinivas, Ashish Vidyarthi and others do their bit.
Technicals
The storyline is simple. But, Sukumar ensured that the screenplay is different. He makes the hero play the mindgame very effectively. All dialogues are classy. As for songs, Devisriprasad churns out haunting tunes. I wanna follow you is already a hit. Vijay's camera work is wonderful and the film is made in a rich and uncompromising way.
Filmy Buzz analysis
The hero is extra-clever. So is Sukumar. Everything in the movie goes according to cold calculations. Sukumar tries to show some inter-connectedness of totally unrelated things. For instance the scene where Rakul kisses NTR. A ball comes from nowhere and falls on the waitress, who falls on Rakul and Rakul in turn falls on NTR to kiss him. But, on many occasions, they become a tad too much. The gutsy dialogue-mouting, baddie-bashing NTR is not seen in the movie. Too much of calculations could actually put off some audience. Most of the movie is shot abroad. The native touch therefore is missing. The makers had claimed that the last 45 minutes would be heart-wrenching. But, except the NTR's clapping scene in the climax, the rest of the last 45 minutes is insipid. The film will be a hard nut for B and C Areas, But, screenplay is good. Sukumar's taking is good. But, what is important is that the film should connect to the masses.
The audience will find it difficult to relate to the cold calculations of Sukumar. Exercising the brain and stressing it proves tiresome. NTR's diehard fans will be disappointed as there are no mass elements. Complete absence of entertainment is another minus. Most importantly, the sensitivity of the title is missing in the film.
