‘Bedurulanka 2012’ movie review: Good concept, silly execution

Young actor Kartikeya has now come up with the comedy-drama “Bedurulanka 2012.” Directed by Clax, the film has been in headlines in the last few days with its promotional content. Recent sensation Neha Sshetty is the female lead. The movie has hit the screens, and let’s see how it fares at box-office.

Story:

Set in a fictional village called “Bedurulanka” in the year 2012, the movie deals with greed and human tendencies. Bhushanam (Ajay Ghosh) and his gang try to take advantage of the people who are worried about the possible apocalypse on December 21, 2012. But Shiva (Kartikeya), belonging to the village, tries to upset the apple cart. Shiva takes the help of his friends and ladylove Chitra (Neha Sshetty) for the same. How Shiva exposes the true colors of Bhushanam and his gang forms the main plot of the story.

Analysis

Bedurulanka begins on a simple note and introduces the characters one after the other. Once the key characters are introduced, the director brings in the lead pair’s romance which is weak. The end-of-age film has some sequences like Brahmam’s spirituality and Daniel’s pastor comedy have worked a bit.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the film is the runtime. There was no need to stretch the film for so long in the first half. The conflict is not clear in the beginning and the audience is clueless as what the main villains are up to in the first place. Things make sense only before the interval point when the hero starts his revolt. There are some savior moments in the latter portions.

The best thing in Bedurulanka is humour and an under-current message. Protagonist Siva raises pertinent questions against the superstitions. He sheds light on the cheating that is going on in the name of God and religion. The film struggles with its pace. It drags at some portions and it moves hastily at times. Towards the climax, the film is rushed. There are cinematic liberties which are conveniently taken. As the film progresses, it becomes quite predictable.

Writer-director Clax could have worked on these loopholes. Even the unwanted songs which obstruct the film’s flow could have been avoided. The makers have under-utilised some of the film’s strengths. The film lacks the thrill as one could guess the future proceedings.

Dialogues are well-written. Some of the dialogues involving God and religion may not go down well with the theists. Some may be intentional and others may be unintentional. There is good dose of profanity squandered here and there using double entendre.

The last songs in the climax is so over the top that you do not understand the logic behind it. On the whole, Bedurulanka connects all the dots and joins the missing links in the end, but leaves one with mixed feelings. In a way it is a good story spoilt by some silly narration.

Performances

For the first time in his career, Kartikeya slips into a satirical humour-based character. This is an unexplored genre for him and effortlessly pulls it off. Neha Sshetty plays a village girl and oozes her glamour when it’s necessary. She has got a character which comes with its own limitations and shines only when it comes to songs and romance.

Ajay Ghosh (Bhushanam aka Bedurulanka Chiranjeevi) steals the show. Srikanh Iyyengar (Brahmam) and Auto Ramprasad (Daniel) generates great fun. These three characters take centre stage and help drive the story forward. Goparaju Ramana too gets a decent role. Vennela Kishore, Satya and Getup Sreenu are occasionally seen in the latter half. They have short roles but are crucial for the film’s narration.

Technicalities

Based on Yugantham (Doomsday), writer-director Clax manages to weave an interesting story in a fictional village. As a debutante director, he succeeds with his writing but not in execution. But the film has several grey areas where the maker could improve. Mani Sharma’s songs are okayish. However, he proves his mettle in the re-recording. Camera work needs a special appreciation. and the editing is alright.

Advantages

Concept

Humour & satire

Drawbacks

Unnecessary songs

Draggy portions

Predictable & cinematic elements