Rating: 1.5/5
Banner: United Movies
Cast: Venkatesh, Taapsee, Srikanth, Madhhurima, Aditya Pancholi, M S Narayana, Geeta, Naga Babu, Jayaprakash Reddy, Rahul Dev and others
Music: Thaman
Editor: Marthand K Venkatesh
Cinematographer: Prasad Murella
Screenplay, direction: Meher Ramesh
Producer: Paruchuri Kireeti
Release date: 26/04/2013
Despite various debacles that he has scored, yet another producer has fallen into the ‘creative’ hands of Meher Ramesh and this time he chose Venkatesh to send to the gallows. Let us see what this is all about.
Story
Rajaram (Venkatesh) in his childhood sees his father Raghuram (Nagababu) killed by the dreaded don Nana Bhai (Aditya Pancholi) and his gang (Rahul Dev, Supreeth and others). He also gets separated from his mother (Geetha) and sister (Madhhurima). Rajaram grows with only one goal, to take revenge on Nana Bhai and he takes the name of Shadow. He also gets a girlfriend in the form of Madhubala (Taapsee). Meanwhile, inspector Pratap (Srikanth) is brought in to track Nana Bhai. But Shadow killing Nana Bhai’s men creates confusion to Pratap. What happens after that forms the rest of the story.
Performances
Venkatesh went about mechanically with what the director said. Looking at his hair in first half, one can call him ‘Wig’tory Venkatesh. It is sad to see that Venky didn’t use his vast experience before choosing this film.
Taapsee was generous to the maximum in her skin show and flaunting her oomph factor. She gives visual feast to the eyes during songs and doesn’t have much to contribute in terms of her role.
Srikanth was routine in his performance and didn’t show the fire as a tough and fierce police officer. It may sound trivial but then he should have learnt to pronounce Shadow correctly without the Telugu accent.
Aditya Pancholi is handsome and has got strong potential but unfortunately he was brought in only to wear suits, shades and then get some kicks from the hero.
Madhhurima was brief but she was sweet with natural sex appeal and contributed in her own way. It is about time the industry focuses on giving her glam roles than homely roles. She has that appeal in her.
M S Narayana was not etched well in his character but still he brought few smiles, Rahul Dev was regular, Nagababu was usual, Geetha was adequate. The comedy team comprising of Krishna Bhagawan, Srinivas Reddy and others were there to fill the screen.
Highlights
- Production values
- Song Picturization
Drawbacks
- Pre-historic storyline
- Pathetic scene composition
- Amateur screenplay
- Childish comedy
- Tasteless sentiment
Analysis
History has proven time and again that Meher Ramesh is a man who can only talk big but cannot deliver big onscreen. Despite repeated feedbacks and reminders that he needs to focus on giving some content with substance and not just focus on style and richness, he doesn’t seem to be aware.
While it agonizing to see how the experienced producers and actors can fall for his words and blow their money down the drain, there is a serious introspection needed for him. Sitting in story discussion and narrating scenes within four walls might be Meher’s forte but without doubt he is an absolute rookie when it comes to conceiving the same into celluloid.
There are many things he needs to learn as a director if he still believes this is the right career for him. The key fundamentals of filmmaking are missing here and it is more like he has made a product for his own conviction and satisfaction without thinking a minute about the audience and their entertainment. Selecting grand locales, dressing up the entire cast in designer outfits, bringing in Choppers and shooting in foreign locations don’t make a good film. What it needs is a good plot to bank upon.
If the plot is familiar, then as a director he needs to have the grip to keep the audience engaged for the two plus hours. Barring the production department, there is not a single department where he has scored. The film takes off with some energy and until the title song everything looks fine but post the title song the tale goes into a shadow that no one can see or feel. The first half runs routine and by the time second half comes, the audience is seen scratching their heads and grinning in disbelief. Pointing out the several blunders in the film and the miserable experience could take several pages but to conclude the rating is given totally out of sympathy towards Parachuri Kireeti and respect towards Venkatesh.
Bottomline: Better to brace the summer heat than face this ‘Shadow’
(Venkat can be reached at [email protected] or https://twitter.com/greatandhranews)
