Film: Om Namo Venkatesaya
Producers: A Mahehswara Reddy, Radhika Reddy
Directed by: K Raghavendra Rao
Music: M M Keeravani
Cast: Nagarjuna Akkineni, Anushka Shetty, Sourabh Jain, Jagapathi Babu, Pragya Jaiswal, Vimala Raman Etc..
Akkineni Nagarjuna and director K. Raghavendra Rao who have done three memorable devotional films Annamayya, Sri Ramadasu and Shirdi Sai, have come up with yet another devotional treat Om Namo Venkatesaya. Let's find out if they weave magic again.
Story: Om Namo Venkatesaya is about Rama who is an 18th century ardent devotee of Lord Venkateswara. He is fascinated about the Lord from his childhood. Though he hails from North India, he joins of Padmananda Swamy(Sai Kumar) in Tirumala. He goes to main temple in Tirumala and often offers prayers for the lord. Impressed by Rama's devotion, Lord appears in real life. But temple authoritarian Govindarajulu (Rao Ramesh) tries to obstruct Rama. Some miscreants steal the gold ornaments belonging to the lord. The temple authorities suspected Rama might have behind the theft. What happens next? How Rama turns into Hathiram Babaji ? forms the rest of the story.
Performances: In recent interviews, Nagarjuna said that he is blessed to the part of Om Namo Venkatesaya and the film will weave magic in everyone's hearts.
After seeing the film, everyone will feel definitely that Nagarjuna is the most luckiest hero in Tollywood for getting such a role like Baba Hathiram. Nagarjuna is a perfect fit for the role of Baba Hathiram and also looked best as an ardent devotee of lord. The Akkineni hero must be appreciated for picking up this role.
Anushka got a meaty role and she rightly performed in it. Pragya Jaiswal as Raam’s sister-in-law is apt. Sourabh Raaj Jain is the right option to play the role of Lord Balaji and he has shown grace and elegance in his act. Jagapathibabu is apt in the special role but it is insignificant. Others including Sampath Raj, Rao Ramesh were the perfect choice for the roles.
Technical: Background score plays the best role in the film. Songs have been shot very well.
Several scenes are really wonderful and increases the emotional depth of the film. Veteran director K Raghavendra Rao's magic is seen again on silver screen.
Cinematography by S Gopal Reddy is very good. Script by JK Bharavi is a plus point. The dialogues are very meaningful and appropriate. Producer A. Mahesh Reddy should be appreciated for coming forward to spend adequate money and make such a different film.
Analysis: The presentation of the film was quite good and Raghavendra Rao proves yet again that he is a master in making devotional films. He approached the movie with a complete dedication. The technical values of the movie were quite good and the graphics also were perfect.
On the flip side, the film faltered on some elements like forced comedy, two songs are dragged unnecessarily, Jagapathi Babu’s role is insignificant and Krishnamma's episode is not effective. Climax sequence is the best of the lot.
On the whole, Om Namo Venkatesaya has been shaped quite well and it has come up with a standard result. This film is a must watch for all Telugus because it is a divine travelogue about Lord Venkateswara and it also explains the significance of several rituals. The film has good chances to make good money at the box office.
Verdict- Nagarjuna- Raghavendra Rao's magic will overpower you in this devotional flick!
Filmybuzz.com Rating- 4/5
