Chiru radiates tremendous power and energy

Period films are a cakewalk for those directors who can use the creative license to spin engrossing, watchable films. Surender Reddy, who was reported to have deliberated on accepting this assignment when the megastar wanted him to take it up, seems to have this quality in ample measure.

The result is 'Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy', a well-mounted, multi-lingual friendly venture which has the indefatigable Chiranjeevi radiating tremendous power and energy in the lead role. He is supported in varying measures by a huge star cast from Amitabh Bachchan, Kichcha Sudeep, Vijay Sethupathi at one end and Jagapathi Babu, Nayantara and Tamannah at the other.

Clearly inspired by a host of Hollywood films which places the rebel at the centrestage fighting for a larger cause like independence or turf control, the film is clear in who it is aiming at.

With Telugu film industry re-writing budgets with a series of extravaganzas in the last five years, beginning with the humongous hit 'Baahubali', producer Ram Charan's home production splurges heavily on production values and real-life locales.

Despite a sedate start which rests itself on building the superhero imagery of Chiru, the warrior chief, the film stabilises when the Britishers get into the act and confront him.

By then, the hero's invincibility is established, despite his fellow leaders not agreeing to play a subordinate role. There is a gentle whiff of romance between him and Tamannah, though Nayantara ultimately gets to be his consort.

Keeping the core theme of freedom struggle in mind, the director wisely does not add comedy or romantic tracks as an excuse for visual relief, but is clearly in love with his hero so much that he is shown unbeaten right till the last. Till the time London is shaken, Chiru has a free run, freely beheading his tormentors and plunging his swords and spear into them in well-crafted war scenes.

As is the case, with films of this genre enabling punch dialogues and powerful verbal interactions, time and again Surender Reddy allows his protagonist to counsel, preach and pontificate at will.

Yet, as the nearly three-hour film comes to an end, the viewer has his plate full with acrobatic action, macho posturing and the formulaic presence of heroines who are shown part of the movement which consumes all of them. The vintage fans of Chiru will surely like his exploits and stylish presentation.