Baahubali 2 Movie Review

Movie: Baahubali 2

Cast: Prabhas, Anushka, Rana, Tamannah, Ramya Krishna, Nassar, Subbaraj, Satyaraj and others

Directed and Screenplay by SS Rajamouli

Story and Dialogues: Vijayendra Prasad

Producer: Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni

Music: Keeravani

Cinematographer: K.K. Senthil Kumar

Editor: Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao

Banner: Arka Media

Censor Certificate: UA

Runtime : 170 minutes

Release date: April 28th, 2017

Watched Premiere show at PVR Cinemas, Inorbit Mall, Hyd

Behind the Screens:

After the Historic Victory of Baahubali – The Beginning. All eyes on Baahubali -The Conclusion to know the answer, Why Kattappa Killed Baahubali?? and experience the visual feast on screen. The movie which has seen never before attention from the audience of all the industries. First Part set new box-office records along National Film Awards. And now question is Will Baahubali2 cross 1000 crore gross?? Lets find out whether Rajamouli succedded or not?

Story-line:

Baahubali – The Conclusion begins where the first part(Baahubali – The Beginning) ends. It reveals the suspense about Why Kattappa, a loyalist to the Crown pierced a dagger into Amarendra Baahubali’s (Prabhas) spine. And then the other part of the film is all about how Mahendra Baahubali (Prabhas) takes revenge for the insult of his mother (Devasana) and get back the throne from the crooked Bhallaladeva (Rana Daggubati).

Performances:

Baahubali series is the sweat and blood of Prabhas. Prabahs is extremely good as Amarendra Baahubali and it can be clearly seen from his effortless transformation in different roles in the movie. He gave 4.5 years of his time to this movie and he gave his best. His royality looks awesome. Sivudu portion is less. After Prabhas, Anushka as Deva sena got screen presence in the movie. She played a gutsy old woman role in the first part is seen as a warrior princess.  She pulled it off effortlessly. She is terrific in her characterization. Her body perfectly fits for this role. Anushka looks stunning. Rana is ferocious. He has shown his capacity in the climax shots. And his screen presence is less when compares to first part. Tamannah has little space in this part. Ramya Krishna as Sivagami has limited space here. Sathyaraj shown various emotions in his role. Nassar is excellent in his role as cunning father. The comedy touch to Subbaraju’s role did not work out.

Analysis:

Story telling by SS Rajamouli is top notch and he combined it with his extraordinary vision and made it a spellbinding saga. In this part he concentrates more on emotions rather than visual treat and etc. His directorial brilliance can be easily felt with the way he revealed the Kattappa Secret by taking it forward through an unexpected character. Rajamouli mark elevation scenes – Prabhas Introductio, Kuntala Kingdom fight in the first half, The Interval Block, The scene leading to Dandalayya song and the war episodes starting from the Pre-Climax worked big time.The Second half is filled with emotions and particularly towards the Climax is all about the war sequences. With high expectations, you would get a feel that the climax is a bit stretched.

Technical Values:

Expect VFX supervisor, same team of 'Baahubali- The Beginning' has worked for 'Baahubali- The Conclusion'. For this type of movies, technical team will plays major role. MM Keeravani’s background music enhanced the range of the film. First part songs expereience is better than this movie. Two songs are very well shot. Sound design is good. Senthil’s Camera work is too good. He got much command in handling this type of movies. Frankly it is very difficult to work on something which is a lot imaginary and involves VFX done later on. But he succedded in this with his camera work. Sabu Cyril’s art direction, Rama Rajamouli and Prashanti’s costumes are in sync with the film’s setting. Action sequences are of international standards. But climax action sequence is lenghty. Dialogues are good. The CG Work is good as expected but then it is not on par at some places like in the case of climax. Some parts of visual effects are good. Editing should be sharp. Editor Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao had a chance to trim few cuts especially romantic track between Prabhas and Anushka in the first half. The Production Values of Arka Media are the best in Indian Cinema.

Thumbs Up:

- Interval bang

- Emotional content

- Technical work

- Grandeur look

Thumbs Down:

- Comedy

- Lenghty climax

- Parts of scenes

Final Verdict:

First Part Baahubali -The Beginning is all about grandeur, Baahubali- The Conclusion is all about emotions and elevations. Baahubali-2 is visual extravaganza with more focus on emotions. 

SS Rajamouli gives you a feel that he is sitting along with you in the theater and is narrating a story and hold your attention for the next two and half hours

If you ignore some slow pace scenes and lengthy climax you can watch one time. 

Box-Office Prediction: With this huge expectations and wide release in india and USA, Baahubali-2 may cross 1000 crore gross. 

Review by Manikick

Rating: 3.25/5

Shiva Linga Movie Review

Movie: Shiva Linga

Cast: Raghava Lawrence, Ritika Singh, Shakthi, Vadivelu, Radharavi, Bhanupriya, Urvashi, Jayaprakash and others

Director: P Vasu

Producer: R Ravindran

Music: SS Thaman

Genre: Horror Thriller Drama

Censor: U

Released on 14th April 2017

Watched at Galaxy 70mm, Toli chowki

Behind the screens:

Kollywood Actor Come Choreographer Raghava Lawrence Hits Sliver Screens With His New Film Sivalinga (aka) Shivalinga Which is Released in Telugu & Tamil on 14th April 2017. This Film is Directed by P Vasu and Produced by R Ravindran. Raghava Lawrence has done this type of socio-fantasy films earlier, And Sala Khadoos/Guru heroine Rithika Singh has played the main role along with Lawrence in this film. This film is the official remake of the director’s hit Kannada film of the same name. In which Shivaraj Kumar and Vedhika had played the leads, while Raghava Lawrence and Ritika Singh are filling their shoes in the Tamil version. The film is released with the same name in both Telugu and Tamil Languages.

Story-Line: 

Shivalinga revolves around a murder mystery which was closed as a case of suicide is reopened on grounds of suspicion and our hero, Raghava Lawrence, who plays a CID officer. The case takes a turn when his wife is possessed by a spirit. The hero’s wedding and the assignment coincide. His work-life balance gets messed up even as he tries to solve the case. He is finally faced with a situation where he has to solve the case to save his wife. Nothing could beat that plot point where the suspense meets the scary.What follows next is the best part of the story.

Performances:

Raghava Lawrence played a CID officer role. He has done a decent job and he is good in his dance moves. Rithika Singh has done the fabulous job in her role. Her Loud facial expressions and body language are good. Comedian Vadivelu played an Important Role in this film. His comedy works in parts. Vadivelu brings all his old tricks and tries really hard to make us laugh. All others have done justice this role. 

Technical Values:

SS Thaman's music is just okay. None of the songs are registered. His Background score is the major highlight of the film. Sarvesh's camera work is good. Editing by Suresh could have been better and he had a chance to trim few cuts in the film. Dubbing work is good. Production values are fine.

Thumbs Up:

- Raghava Lawrence & Ritika Singh Performances

-  Pre-Climax

- Background Score

Thumbs down:

- Screenplay

- Slow Narration

- Parts of the scenes

Final Verdict:

Sivalinga is yet another horror thriller genre film from Raghava Lawrence. The movie runs around the mystery solving. 

Review by Manikick

Rating: 2.5/5.0 

Mister Movie Review

Movie:  Mister 

Cast: Varun Tej, Lavanya Tripathi, Hebah Patel, Nikitin Dheer, Prudhviraj, Harish Uthaman, Prince, Satyam Rajesh, Shyamala, Shakalaka Shankar, Shaking Seshu, Nassar, Chandra Mohan, Ravi Prakash, Anand, Raghu Babu, Srinivas Reddy, Tejaswi, Easwari Rao and others

Director: Srinu Vytla

Music Director: Mickey J Mayer

Cinematography by KV.Guahan

Producers: Tagore Madhu, Nallamalapu Bujji

Banner: Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Production, Leo Productions

Runtime: 160 minutes

Certificate: UA

Release: 14 April 2017

Watched at SVC Cinemas, Patancheruvu

Behind the screens

Varun Tej who impressed with different genre films and he got disaster with Loafer in 2015 and now he is coming out to score a commercial hit with Mister under the direction of Srinu Vytla. Director lost his charisma with back to back disasters Aagadu and Bruce lee films. Let us see what impact the duo made with mister film

Story-Line:

Chai (Varun Tej), a happy going guy who lives in Spain with his family. He loves Meera (Hebah Patel) in his first sight when she comes to Spain on a five-day holiday visit. However as he was about to express his love, she shocks him saying that she is already in love with Siddharth (Prince). After finishing her trip, she will back to India. He gets a call from Meera seeking his help. Chai flies to India to help her out. Chai’s parents request him to meet even his loving grandfather Pichaiah Naidu (Nassar) whom for some reason Chai hates him the most. Chai’s life takes another romantic turn when he comes into contact with a village bubbly girl Chandramukhi (Lavanya Tripathi). Want to know what happens next, then see Mister in theaters.

Performances:

Varun Tej performed well as a youngster who enjoys life and cares for his family. His body language, emotions and expressions are good. He improved in comedy timing. His dances and fights are okay. Hebah Patel is okay in her role. She toned down her glamor content compared to her earlier films. Lavanya Tripathi attracted with her looks. She got the limited screen presence. Couple of comedy scenes involving Srinivas Reddy, Prudhvi, Raghu Babu, Satyam Rajesh is good in the first half. Others like  Nikitin Dheer, Prince, Harish Uthaman, Ravi Prakash, Anand, Easwari Rao, Nassar, Chandra Mohan, Tejaswi, Srinivas Reddy performed according to their roles.

Analysis:

Srinu Vytla who is known for his out and out mass hilarious entertainers of late lost his success sheen. After a gap, Srinu Vytla came with Mister. He came with a routine story with no real twists and turns.He failed with his screenplay and direction in the second half. Comedy scenes involving Varun Tej, Satyam Rajesh, Hebah Patel, Raghu Babu came out well.

Technical values:

Mickey J Meyer’s music is not bad. None of the songs attracted. Few songs picturization well. Most of the songs acted as speed breakers to story narration. Background score failed to elevate the film. KV.Guhan's camera work is simply superb and main highlight to the film. He showed the beautiful locations of Spain, Europe and Karnataka. Editing by MR.Varma could have been better and he had a chance to trim 20-25 minutes of the film especially many scenes in the second half. Fights are composed well. Dialogues are good. Production values are good.

Thumbs Up:

- Camera work

- Production values

Thumbs Down:

- Second Half

- Dragged narration

- Unwanted scenes

- Editing

- Direction

- Routine story

Final Verdict:

Mister is a routine commercial disaster film from Director Sreenu Vaitla. 

First half of the story is entertaining to some extent and ends by testing the patience with pre-interval scenes. Second half also testing the patience with unwanted subplots. Whole Second half went for a toss as people couldn’t understand what Srinu Vytla wanted to tell. 

Watch this movie at your own risk.

Review by Manikick

Rating: 2/5

Dora movie review

Movie : Dora

Cast: Nayanthara, Thambi Ramaiah, Harish Uttaman and others

Director: Doss ramasamy

Producer: Sarkunam

Cinematography: Dinesh krishnan

Editor: Gopi krishna

Runtime: 137 minutes

Release date: 31st march, 2017

Watched at Jyothi theater, Patanchervu

Behind the screens:

Nayanthara has been doing some interesting female oriented films of late. In this process, she is back with a horror thriller called Dora. Let’s see how this film will be.

Story Line:

Parijatham Krishnaveni (Nayanthara) is the much-pampered daughter of a middle-class father (Thambi Ramaiah as Ramaiah). Her life is ordinary. Her biggest past time is pulling her dad's legs and earning his affection. Like this, the father and the daughter lead a breezy life. She buys a vintage car with the aim of making it big as a cab company owner. The car is possessed (the Trailer itself made this clear), but by what and why is to be learned in the flashback. 

The crux of the story lies in what makes Parijatham draw herself into avenging a murder, how she executes the plan, all the while going against the wishes of a tough cop (played by Harish Uttaman).

Performances:

Nayanthara lived in the role of Parijatham. She looks very graceful and when she shows emotions like anger and pain in the second half, she is convincing. Especially in police station scenes, she killed it with different expressions. Thambi Ramaiah is good in his role. Harish Uttaman as a tough cop comes with a striking screen presence. 

Technical Values:

The biggest strength of 'Dora' are the technical elements. The cinematographer uses lighting to a very good effect whenever the car shows its 'vishwaroopam'. Almost all the action sequences take place in night effect, but they are very crystal clear and pleasant. The CG work is a class apart, especially the way the car is shown to move its parts like a human being. BGM by Vivek-Mervin combo is another major plus. The sounds are not harsh just because it's a crime-mystery-thriller. Dialogues are normal. Production values are okay. 

Thumbs Up:

- Nayanathara

- BGM

- CG Work

- Second hallf

Thumbs down:

- Few Comedy bits

- First half

Final Verdict:

 'Dora' is formulaic revenge drama involving a supernatural character and a woman. It becomes predictable after a point. Weak villainy is a major drawback. Technically, it's nicely done. 

Dora film is all about Dog's Revenge drama in the form of car.

Review by Manikick

Rating : 2.75.5.0

Rouge movie review

Movie :  Rogue

Cast: Ishan, Angela, Mannara Chopra, Ali, Posani, Thakur Anoop Singh, Subbaraju , Tulasi and Others

Director: Puri Jagannadh

Story: Puri Jagannadh

Screenplay: Puri Jagannadh

Dialogues: Puri Jagannadh

Music: Sunil Kashyap

Cinematographer: Mukesh G

Editor: Junaid Siddiqui

Banner: Tanvi Films

Producer: CR Manohar and CR Gopi

Release date: March 31st, 2017

Watched at Inorbit mall, hitech city

Behind the Screens:

Puri Jagannadh who is known for bringing out a different variation in his heroes is introducing a newcomer, Ishan with Rogue. The youngster, son of Senior Producer, brother of producer CR Manohar who produced mahatma earlier in Tollywood.

Now hero is looking for a big hit with his first movie. The movie is equally important to Puri who is without a proper success for a very long time. Film releasing with a tag - Maro chanti gadi prema gada. Let us see how the movie fared with the audience.

Story line:

Chanti (Ishan) is in love with Anjali (Angela), sister of Police Commissioner. But then, the commissioner arranged a match with IPS Officer (Subbaraju) for her. When the engagement arrangements are on, Chanti goes there and creates havoc. In the process, he hits a constable whose legs get paralyzed and Chanti gets two years jail. When he is out, he realizes Anjali cheated her and Chanti develops an aversion to girls. Later, he knows that the constable’s family is in trouble and starts helping them. The Constable’s sister (Mannara Chopra) falls flat for Chanti. What happens next forms the rest of the story.

Performances:

Ishan makes an interesting debut in the film. His mass looks and body language are good. Angela is restricted to glamor show while Mannara Chopra is okay in her limited role. Thakur Anoop Singh who played a baddie in Singham-3 and Winner is shown as a Psycho. He is good in a villainy as well as comedy scenes. Others like Ali, Posani, Subbaraju and Tulasi are okay in their roles.

Analysis:

Director Puri Jagannadh has become a routine director nowadays and he is struggling to come out of the next. Rogue is another such attempt. Reckless Hero Characterization, Glamourous Heroines, Villainy with Comic Touch, Ali Comedy Track and Bangkok Beaches are the usual things in Puri films in the recent times. Puri’s dialogues were impressive but the story, screenplay, and direction are routine. Once again he is more focused about good dialogues and heroism. He succeeded in both of them. But then, the template kind of story will test the patience of the audience. 

Technical Values:

Music director Sunil Kashyap’s Songs are just okay while the background score is good in parts. Camera work by Mukesh is good and he showed beautiful locations. Editor had a chance to trim few scenes. Dialogues by Puri Jagan are good as usual but few are underwritten. The Production Values of Tanvi Films are Good.

Thumbs up: 

- Dialogues and Herosim

Thumbs Down:

- Routine story

- Second half

- Songs

- Screenpaly

Final verdict:

Rouge is yet another Routine Template Film from Puri Jagan.

The first half of the film is okay but things go totally changed in the second half. It runs without any twists and turns making the audience wait for the end. The climax is also routine.

Review by Manikick

Rating: 2/5

Guru movie review

Movie :  Guru

Cast: Venkatesh, Rithika Singh, Raghu Babu, Nassar, Tanikella Bharani, Zakir Hussain, Mumtaz Sorcar and others

Direction: Sudha Kongara Prasad

Written by Harsha Vardhan (dialogues)

Story and Screenplay: Sudha Kongara Prasad

Based on Irudhi Suttru (2016)

Music Director: Santosh Narayanan

Cinematography: KA.Sakthivel

Editing: Satish Suriya

Producer: Sashikanth

Banner: Y Not Studios

Certificate: U

Runtime: 116.30 minutes

Release: March 31,2017

Watched at SVC Sangeetha theater, Patanchervu

Behind the screens:

Victory Venkatesh who has become choosy and is coming with different entertainers. He is doing remakes of hit films, now he is coming to entertain movie lovers with Guru, the remake of Hindi-Tamil bilingual entertainer Saala Khadoos. Let us see what impact the film made on movie lovers. 

Story Line:

Boxing coach Aditya Rao (Venkatesh) gets shunted from Sports Authority of India (SAI), Delhi to Vizag due to clashes with head coach Dev Khatri (Zakir Hussain). Junior coach Punch Pandu (Nassar) promoting his own students who don’t know anything about boxing. Aditya Rao much to his delight finds out Ramudu aka Rameshwari (Ritika Singh), arrogant sister of Lux (Mumtaz Sorcar) talented enough to shine if given training.  To find out whether he can make the arrogant Ramudu win the World Boxing Championship against all odds, watch Guru on screen. 

"Indian boxing nunchi politics thesthe galli galli ki oka champion dorukutharu"

Performances:

Venkatesh worked very hard for sporting a new look as a boxing coach. His salt and pepper looks are apt to the character. He played his role to perfection bringing variations. He is terrific as a tough uncompromising no nonsense coach and then as a frustrated boxer.  His dialogue delivery, body language, and expressions are terrific. Ritika Singh stole the show with her powerful performance throughout the film. She elevated the film to a new level with her performance.  Her expressions showed as a girl suffering poverty and boxer who fight against the system is mindblowing. Her dialogue delivery and body language are ultimate. Nassar performed well in his limited role. Others like Raghu Babu, Tanikella Bharani, Zakir Hussain, Mumtaz, Zakir Hussain performed accordingly. 

"India ki medel thesukuravadniki ne okkadi kalu nakadam enti mana desam loni 120 kotla mandi kalu nakadaniki nenu ready raa"

Analysis:

Director Sudha Kongara came with a different film to inspire many especially those in Tollywood to think out of the box.  She highlighted the emotions in the lives of various human beings and the struggle they have to go to win fighting against the corrupt system. Sudha Kongara’s story, screenplay and direction are quite good.

Technical Values:

Music by Santosh Narayanan is just okay. His background score is good. The film has a couple of songs. Venkatesh's song 'Jigiri jigiri..' and the song filmed on Ritika attracts all. Editing could have been better in the second half. Few dialogues are too good. The cinematography is good. Production values are good. 

Thumbs Up:

- Ritika Singh and Venkatesh

- Gripping screenplay

- Story

- 2 songs

Thumbs down:

- Few scenes

Final verdict:

The first half is full of entertaining and action elements. Venkatesh’s song, mannerisms and Ritika Singh’s performance thrill everyone. Interval bang is good.

The second half is all about how the duo fight against all odds. Right from the beginning to end, movie running with the gripping screenplay and fully engaging which makes the good impact. 

Strongly recommended film to watch in theaters.

Just go and watch you will like it!

Review by Manikick

Rating:  3.5/5