Film: Satyameva Jayathey
Rating: 1.5/5
Cast: Maha Star Dr Rajasekhar, Neetu Chandra, Sheril Pinto, Sivaji, Sai Kiran, Siva Reddy, Minister M Satyanarayana Rao, Ahuti Prasad, Sayaji Shinde, Ali, Milind Soman etc
Cinematography: Loki B Goud
Editing: Nandamuri Hari
Stunts: Horseman Raju
Story, Screenplay, Dialogues: Dr Rajasekhar
Producers: Sivani, Sivatmika
Direction: Jeevitha Rajasekhar
Released On: 13th Feb 2009
'Satyameva Jayathey', the direct lift from the Hindi film 'Khakee' released today. Let us see how far the film is treated to bring it to Telugu audiences.
Story:
Sathya (Dr Rajasekhar) is a sincere police officer and gets grand image as encounter specialist. Chief Minister (M Satyanarayana Rao) also supports Sathya for his encounters. In the process of doing his duty by attacking terrorists Sathya loses his wife. And he shoots the concerned corrupted officer who resulted in the death of his wife. Although the shoot-out of that officer is a crime, with the support of CM he comes back to join his duty again. He goes on a mission to catch hold of an alleged terrorist Dr Ansari with his team (Sivaji, Sai Kiran, Siva Reddy and Neetu Chandra). Rest of the story is nothing but 'Khakhee' which can be watched on screen.
Performances:
Dr Rajasekhar has portrayed his angry young police officer role which has been his trade mark. Sai Kumar gave dubbing for him but the sharpness sounded to have reduced. Neetu Chandra did lot of over action and the Telangana dialogues didn't suit her but appeared artificial. Sivaji has some role to play while Sheril Pinto is plump and not so attractive. Siva Reddy has something to enact while Sai Kiran has very trivial part.
Milind Soman portrayed the terrorist role with a little bushy beard. Ahuthi Prasad and Sayaji Shinde are routine.
Minister M Satyanarayana Rao has portrayed a lengthy role with his brand of dialogue delivery as sincere and clean CM. In fact, he quenched the desire to become Chief Minister that way at least on celluloid.
Background score is weak and direction also didn't meet contemporary requirement. Things could have been spruced well before delivering. Dialogues are also pale and inactive except the line, "Criminals wouldn't dare to touch even the doll in the hand of kids if government gives full power to police".
A scene was conceived purposefully to target Chiranjeevi and his love for Mother Teresa in a satirical way in the introduction scene of Dr Rajasekhar.
Analysis:
'Satyameva Jayathey' has turned the attention of media and public with various special attractions. This is the film made by Rajasekhar's family after joining in Congress. Minister M Satyanarayana Rao acted in this film in full length role but not as guest. It's also publicized that there are a few scenes those point out Chiranjeevi and other opposition parties. Apart from all this, actress Neetu Chandra had strife with Rajasekhar and Jeevitha which has hit the media in big way recently. All these factors raised some interest on this film among public.
Although Dr Rajasekhar has picked up Hindi film 'Khakhee' directly he claimed that it's the original story by adding some scenes with his self interest. On a whole the narration went insipid with weak background score and non-exciting moments. The film brought boredom for the audiences those haven't watched Khakhee as well. And for the audiences those watched 'Khakhee', it brings bigger ennui as they tend to draw comparisons between the two.
First half is filled with monotony and dull moments while the second half is packed with action that's directly taken from Khakhee. Khakhee sounds convincing with the old-police officer characterization of Amitabh Bachchan. But here in Satyameva Jayathey Dr Rajasekhar projected himself as young hero and continued with action episodes those he did in Magadu and Ahuthi decades ago. It's like gluing the color of spring for autumn.
The direction part is also just appealing for C-center audiences and they too may not watch it repeatedly. The vulgarity is also maintained in the film like any other C-grade film which isn't welcomed by a lady director. The scenes where Dr Rajasekhar beats on the 'back' of Apoorva and the dialogues of Neetu Chandra while explaining her affinity for Dr Rajasekhar sounded vulgar and unnecessary. Although they are targeted to impress masses, the angle of perversion is seen in them. To conclude, the film didn't meet the expectations.
(SiraSri can be reached at [email protected])
