A lost battle

A false start! It may be a concern of logistics when the release is delayed for the non-arrival of the reels at the theatre and have nothing to do with the quality of the film. It, however, reflects the mindset or a resignation that is based on the poor foot falls. Derived from a script that is as old as the hills, the filmmaker (story, screenplay, direction) Bharati Ganesh is just mixing up the old spices. The offering thus has nothing fresh.

Madhu (Yami Gautam) falls in love with Rishi (Tarun). The script takes its time to establish their respective families. Rishi’s parents Ram Mohan (Chandra Mohan) and (Pragati) have another son who is abroad and is visiting when cupid strikes and yes, he too falls in love with Madhu. Madhu has a doting brother in Shanker anna (Sri Hari). The ever in white and angry man comes with a heart of gold. He runs an Old Age Home and is supported by an army of goons. Don’t look to solve the puzzle. With an eye on the land housing the Old Age Home is realtor (Bapineedu). So there is a three tier story: the love story, the love triangle and the battle between the two gangs. It then becomes the task of the filmmaker to mix these three age old paradigms. The mix is raucous, haphazard and uneventful. It moves at such a beaten path that it does not even imbibe the energy to be a tad critical about the film.

The end product is visibly a product of poor editing. The screenplay labours to put together such predictable seasons that an amateur could have delivered the product. Amazing how so much effort and so little thought goes into a film. Tollywood really needs to audit its products. Such mediocrity and in such regularity does the industry no good. Look at the response and it reflects a visibly disillusioned audience. Surely the filmmaker was placing hope over common sense if he visualised this as entertainment!

Sri Hari- it is a healthy practice not to be rude of people who have left us. Veterans like Chandra Mohan and Giribabu are reduced to caricatures. The comedy track involving Krishna Bhagawan, Venu Madhav and Apoorva is crass and doesn’t muster a single giggle.

Yami Gautam has the most strained smile you can imagine. You wonder if it is a clinical case of Tetany! Yes, she may not be loud like many contemporaries, but that is poor compensation! Still early days! Actually premature! It is unfortunate to see Tarun. The young lad who translated many a role to watchable cinema reminds you of Govinda-- weight, gait and all!! His ‘new looks’ are a no no. He is a far cry from the energetic guy you saw in ‘Nuvve Nuvve’ or ‘Sashirekha Parinayam’. The hibernation has not helped. While the talent may still be lurking, he is obviously a prey to the designs of the mark. Those who are not his fans are not going to change their views. Those who are may re-examine their choice.

Also, it is time our filmmakers visited a college campus or two before they make a film on the youth. Their grotesque perceptions require correction. As does the film. It is tragic to watch such a gross misunderstanding and a narration that begs for credibility. This ‘Yuddham’-Evarithonaina ends up being a war against the viewers’ patience and sensitivity.