Rating: 1.5/5
Banner: SVCC
Cast: Ravi Teja, Ileana, Prakash Raj, Brahmanandam, Ali, Subbaraju and others
Music: Raghu Kunche
Cinematographer: Sam Naidu
Editor: Sekkhar
Story, dialogues, screenplay, direction: Puri Jagannadh
Producer: BVSN Prasad
Release date: 15/08/2012
After the super hit 'Businessman', Puri Jagannadh is back with another potboiler and he has Ravi Teja with him. Let us see how good it is
Story
In Vaikuntham, Lord Vishnu (Brahmi) is asked by Goddess Lakshmi (Sarala) to share a story and he gives her a love story. This is between settlement expert Ravi Teja (Ravi Teja) of Hyderabad and Ileana (Ileana) of Bangkok.
It all starts with a Arati Thokka and a sequence of events lead to Ravi Teja going to Bangkok searching for the big don Prakash Raj (Prakash Raj). Why does Ravi Teja go for Prakash Raj.
How did love happen between him and Ileana? What is the link between the Arati Thokka and the characters? All this forms the rest of the story.
Performances
Ravi Teja was usual with his energy levels and distinct dialogue delivery. For some reason he was dull during first half and showed his true form in second half. He did his job as required.
Ileana continues with her disappointing skeletal look. At few places she looked alright but without flesh and curves she looks bad. It is only her expressions and body language which are saving her right now.
Prakash Raj carries out his role without much stress and though his character didn't have much strength and included eccentricity he infused life into it wherever possible and made his presence felt.
Jyothi Rana is picking up with each film. She knows how to use her body and sex appeal with the apt beauty which triggers any man's desire. It is time she gets few meaty roles.
Ali brought few smiles more for his looks and timing than his role. Brahmanandam got a laidback role and he did his bit as required. Same goes with Kovai Sarala. Fish Venkat was natural and upto the mark. Subbaraju was justified. Others didn't have scope.
Highlights:
- Songs and Background score
Drawbacks:
- Poor execution
- No connectivity
- Overdose of silly sentiments
- Weak entertainment quotient
- Disjointed narrative
Analysis:
With its old title, many assumed that 'Devudu Chesina Manushulu' would be a new wine in old bottle. But the idea was picked up from a Hollywood film and the script was knitted with some concocted and known jokes and paradigms.
The major set back in the film is that it lacked peaks and seriousness in narration. What the director felt would bring laughs made the audience sit with tight lips in many instances. The idea that was picked up is good but it is clearly evident that proper homework is not done in conceiving the script. And considering Puri Jagannadh's caliber and dexterity in screenplay, none can deny the truth that he didn't put enough energies on the script.
Telugu audience really connect well with the scenes relating to God, His play and his miracles. Puri attempted to showcase that in lighter vein but he failed to bring enough punch in totality.
The opening of the film was promising but eventually the narration lacked in depth. The scene of 'arati thokka' with MS Narayana in guest role is not at all convincing as it didn't gel well with the screenplay.
It is known that Puri Jagan is known for his best dialogue writing. But the magic of his ink didn't work in this film.
First half runs like a routine masala concoction but the interval bang brings some hopes on second half. Second half is more torture than first half. Simply to say, its not a film of Puri's standards.
The climax was brisk but instead of shutting down at a point, a fight and a song marred the mood of audience. The placement of the song was wrong for the tempo the movie ran.
The best part in the movie is songs and background score. The duration that longed for crisp 2 Hour and 5 Minutes is only relief.
This film surely connects to audience only if God decides to do a miracle.
Bottom Line: Should have titled as 'Arati Thokkalo Cinema'
(Venkat can be reached at [email protected])
