Movie: Nee Jathaga Nenundali
Rating: 2/5
Banner: Parmeswara Arts
Cast: Sachiin J Joshi, Nazia Hussain, Rao Ramesh, Shashank, Posani Krishna Murali and Others
Cinematography: A Vasanth
Music: Mithoon, Jeet Ganguly, Ankit Tiwari
Songs: Chandrabose
Story: Shagufta Rafique
Screenplay: Shagufta Rafique
Direction: Jaya Ravindra
Producer: Bandla Ganesh
Release Date: 22nd Aug, 2014
The hit film Ashiqui 2 has been made into Telugu as Nee Jataga Nenundaali. A successful businessman, Sachin Joshi occasionally moonlights as an actor and it is his effort at trying to fulfill his passion. Let’s check out the story:
Story:
Raghava Jayaram aka RJ (Sachin) is a popular singer, but he turns alcoholic and ruins his career. At a time when he is almost written off by one and all, Gayatri Nandana (Naziya Hussain) comes into his life. He listens to her song and becomes totally besotted with her. He sees the magic in her singing and decides to make her a big singer. Meanwhile, love strikes and they start living together. While Gayatri reaches the pinnacle of her career, RJ fails to let go of his drinking habit. At one point, he becomes an embarrassment for Gayatri. What happens next forms the crux of the story.
Artistes’ Performances:
Of course, Sachin works due to passion. But it would be best if he brushes up his acting skills once in a while as there is no seriousness in his acting. He has acted in three Telugu films and two Hindi films. Yet, he does not follow the basics than every actor is meant to know. Also, in the film, he picks a role that gives ample scope for an actor to perform. But, Sachin’s face can be best described as expressionless. He could not bring on even the simplest of expressions and can be labeled a wooden face.
Just like Sachin, Naziya is another actor who fails to emote on screen. However, in her case, the camera does manage to capture a few expressions once in a while. But since her role is very important to the film, we will have to give Naziya minus marks for her acting.
Given the acting prowess of both the lead actors, the performances of Rao Ramesh and Sashank appear to be top-class.
Technical Excellence:
Aashiqui 2 was a musical hit, but the same cannot be said of the Telugu version. Chandra Bose’s lyrics do not impress in the Telugu version. However, if you don’t compare them with Hindi songs, then you will enjoy Vintunnava nestam….
Cinematography is good and editing is okay. In fact, the director has copied the original film to the last detail. Everything from dialogues to camera angles has been taken from the original. Yet, he fails to make the audience feel and experience the love story as it happens on screen. But more than blaming the director, this failure has to be attributed to the lead pair who simply do not put in any efforts to make their characters believable.
Highlights:
- Music
Drawbacks:
- Hero Sachin
- Heroine Naziya
- Lifeless narration
- Bad direction
Analysis:
In terms of revenues, Aashiqui 2 was a super hit at the box office. Though the film did not boast of any big stars, the film ended up making Rs 90 crores in gross world over and was declared an industry hit.
The film’s music and awesome performance by Shraddha Kapoor helped the film in becoming a world-wide hit. But if one looks at the film, it is not without its share of loopholes. Instead of fine-tuning it and tweaking it to suit the sensibilities of Telugu audience, it has been Xerox-copied by the director.
And since the director did copy to the last detail, he should have made sure that he had super hit music in place just like the original. But the makers simply dubbed the Hindi songs and incorporated into the film. So, the music which was the main reason for the film’s success becomes a minus point for the Telugu version. Also, Nee Jataga Nenundaali does not have a Shraddha Kapoor to carry the film on her shoulders. By banking on Naziya who cannot act to save her life, the makers have made yet another huge blunder. Both these mistakes will cost the makers heavily as they become spokes in the wheel rather than hit-assuring strong points.
Another main strength of Aashiqui 2 was the subtle and simple love story between the lead pair. Both Aditya Roy Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor emote beautifully with their eyes and facial expressions. But the Telugu version falls flat as the lead pair fail to express their love as they lack the talent and on-screen chemistry. In fact, hero Sachin even fails at showing the pathos in his character and so the audience fails to get connected with their love story.
In short, the film is a test to the patience of the audience. If you have already watched the Bollywood version, then stay warned that Nee Jataga Nenundaali will totally disappoint you.
In fact, you might end up watching Aashiqui 2 and listening to the songs all over again after watching Nee Jataga Nenundaali. But if you haven’t watched the original, you might end up feeling that both the films are total waste of time and energy.
Bottomline: We can’t feel their love!
(Venkat can be reached at [email protected] or https://twitter.com/greatandhranews)
