VIP2 movie review

Movie:  VIP2

Cast: Dhanush, Amala Paul, Kajol, Vivek, Samudra khani, Ritu Varma, and Others

Story and dialogues: Dhanush

Screenplay and Direction: Soundarya Rajinikanth

Producer: Dhanush and Kalaipuli S. Thanu

Music: Sean Roldan

Cinematographer: Sameer Thahir

Editor: Prasanna GK

Banner: Wunderbar Films and V. Creations

Certificate: U

Runtime: 135 minutes

Release Date: August, 25th, 2017

Watched at Amba theatre, Mehdipatnam

Behind the Screens:

Tamil Hero Dhanush’s ‘Raghuvaran B.Tech’ (VIP in Tamil) is a blockbuster in both the languages. The movie has got a sequel project as ‘VIP 2’. The movie had released in Tamil Nadu earlier this month. The movie is releasing today in both the Telugu States on the eve of vinayachavithi festival. Let us see how the movie was?

Story-line:

VIP-2 takes off from where it is left in ‘Raghuvaran B.Tech’. Raghuvaran (Dhanush) is successfully working in Anita Constructions. But the rise of the company is not digested by the MD (Kajol) of Vasundhara Constructions. She tries to target Raghuvaran and the company. Rest of the story is all about how Raghuvaran takes on the mighty corporate world.

Performances:

Dhanush came up with an impressive performance. He fits in the role very well with his body language, dialogue delivery, and screen presence. In some scenes with his wife amala paul, he overratted. Kajol looks gorgeous as usual. The confrontation scenes between them are well handled. Amala Paul is seen in a limited role. Vivek’s comedy worked well in some extent. Ritu Varma is seen in very short role.

Analysis:

Dhanush wrote the story for sequel of VIP aka Raghuvaran B.Tech i.e ‘VIP-2’. The first half of the film is handled well but then he seems to be totally out of ideas about how to handle the second half. Soundarya Rajinikanth, the director of the film seems to be equally confused. After elevating the confrontation of Kajol and Dhanush to a big level, the rivalry is ended without any logic.

Technical values:

Music by Sean Roldan is a huge disappointment with not even one song working. The camera work is neat. Editing should have been better in the second half. Very few dialogues are good. Production values are appropriate.

Thumbs up:

- Dhanush & Kajol

- First half

- Hero elevated scenes

Thumbs down:

- Climax

- Direction

- 2nd half

Final Verdict:

Dhanush – the writer and Soundarya Rajinikanth – the director are totally disappointing. They just made a mess of the sequel.

Overall, the charm, wit, and humour that worked in 'Raghuvaran B.Tech'(VIP) are missing in this sequel.

Skip this sequel strictly.

Review by Manikick

Rating:     2.25/5.0

Arjun Reddy Movie Review

Movie:      Arjun Reddy

Cast: Vijay Devarakonda, Shalini, Priyadarshi, Kamal Kamaraj and Others

Written and Directed: Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Producer: Pranay Reddy Vanga

Music: Radhan

Cinematographer: Raju Thota

Editor: Shashank

Banner: Bhadrakali Pictures

Certificate: A

Runtime: 182 minutes

Release Date: August 25th, 2017 (Review from 24th Night Premiere)

Watched at Alankar(Pratap) theatre

Behind the Screens:

Vijay Deverakonda who bagged a stunning and tremendous success with his solo hero film Pellichoopulu. He gave disaster With his immediate next film, Dwaraka. His 3rd film, Arjun Reddy releasing this Friday has managed to create good curiosity in the audience. Producers planned to show the film in one day before with paid Premieres all over telugu states. Let us see how the film was??

Story-line:

Arjun Reddy (Vijay Deverakonda) who has full of arrogance and attitude. The movie is the journey through different phases of his life for about 7-8 years. How his love life with (Shanini) transforms into a life changing event forms the rest of the story.

Performances:

One man show by Vijay Devarakonda in all aspects. He is perfect apt for Arjun Reddy role. He is Freaking Awesome as Arjun Reddy. His body language, attitude, dialogue delivery shows the intense of the Arjun Reddy character. He showcased arrogance and attitude at peaks on screen. He effortlessly walks through a character which is so powerful. Heroine Shalini doesn't have scope to perform. She restricted to liplocks and cry all the time. The guy who played Shiva - Rahul(Real name) in the film is so impressive and his dialogues evoked good fun. His telangana accent helped to elevate his comedy timing. Rest of characters like kamal Kamaraj, priya darshi and others played their characters well.

Analysis:

Debut director Sandeep Vanga has chosen a storyline which normally any Telugu filmmaker would not dare to touch why because audience may reject and so many reasons to tell.Most of the times, for these type of films fails badly or rejected by audience. The director knows very well how Arjun Reddy should be to connect to the targeted youth audience and seem to have worked on it very much. 

Technical Values:

Music by Radhan is good. BGM is okay. Camera work by Raju Thota is terrific. Some close up shots are brilliant. The tone brownish-yellow suits the mood of the film. Dialogues are very impressive and contemporary. Youth will connect with dialogues. Editing should have been better in the second half. Some unnecessary scenes should have been trimmed without any doubts. Production Values by Bhadrakali Pictures are okay.

Thumbs up:

- Vijay Devarakonda

- comedy

- First half

Thumbs down:

- Runtime

- Dragged second half

- Editing

Final Verdict:

Arjun Reddy is such a bold attempt by debut director which tells story of a hot blooded young lad.

You can feel like Without Vijay Devarakonda, there is no Arjun Reddy after you watch. 

First Half is good and will take you to a different more. But the second half is a bit disappointing when compared to the first half. Midway through the film, you feel it is getting lengthy and boring with too many repetitive scenes. The climax is well-handled by the director. 

Strictly for youth. The film will have a very big impact on Youth audience. Kids and Family audience can stay away.

Bottom line: Modern devadas gets happy ending...

Review by Manikick

Rating:    3/5

Vivekam Movie Review

Movie: Vivekam(Vivekam)

Star cast: Ajith, Kajal, Akshara hasan, vivek oberoi and others

Direction: Shiva

Music by anirudh

Certificate: UA

Runtime: 149 minutes

Watched at Galaxy theater, toli chowchi

Behind the scenes:

Ajith has huge following in tamilnadu where as he is struggling to show his mark in telugu states from long time. After veeram, vedalam films now he is teaming up with director shiva with Vivekam. Now let's us see how the film is??

Story-line :

AK aka Ajay Kumar (Ajith Kumar) is a most wanted criminal. How a most efficient member of the Counter Terrorism Squad becomes a most wanted criminal and how he manages to get himself clean of charges is what the film is all about?

Performances:

Ajith has a terrific screen presence through out the film. His confidence makes anyone believe in the character and whatever he does on screen. Kajal is decent in a character even though its routine. She gets few scenes to perform too. Vivek Oberoi as the villain is decent. But his character overshadows his previous characters.Sarath Saxena is wasted. Comedy by Karuna is okay in parts. Akshara Haasan has limited role. Rest of characters are okay in their roles.

Analysis:

Director Siva takes the blue print of many spy films and mashes it all together to form a Vivekam film. His screenplay racy. 

Technical values:
Music by Anirudh has an international quality. His back score elevates the scenes. The cinematography is superb, and the visuals are grand. Editing, especially during the fights, should have been better. Dialogues are okay. Production values are grand.

Thumbs Up:
Ajith’s screen presence

Stunts

BGM

Racy Screenplay

Thumbs down:

Thin & Predictable story

Parts of scenes

Cilmax

Final Report:

Vivekam (Vivegam) film is a ultra stylish action film which offers nothing other than hollywood range stunts and ajith's terrific screen presence.

Strictly for ajith fans only.

Review by Manikick

Rating: 2.25/5

Aanando Bramha Review

Movie:    Aanando Brahma

Cast: Tapsee, Srinivas Reddy, Vennela Kishore, Shakala Shankar, Thagubothu ramesh, Thanikella bharani, Raghu, Rajeev kanakala, Raja Ravindra and Others

Written and Directed by: Mahi V Raghav

Producer: Vijay Chilla and Shashi Devireddy

Music: K

Cinematographer: Anish Tarun Kumar

Editor: Shravan

Banner: 70 MM Entertainments

Certificate: UA

Runtime: 123.58 minutes

Release Date: August 18th, 2017

Watched at Anna theater, Mehdipatnam

Behind the Screens:

Actress tapsee has disappeared from Telugu Cinema from long back. Her last film in telugu is sahasam even though she acted in Rana's Ghazi. Finally, she comeback to the industry with Horror Comedy movie, Anando Brahma which is releasing yesterday across the globe. Let us see how the movie is??

Story-line:

Siddhu (Srinivas Reddy) suffers from a Cardiac Problem. Flute Raju (Vennela Kishore) works a Security Guard at an ATM Center who suffers from Night-Blindness but gets himself tangled in a case due to that. Tulasi (Thagubothu Ramesh) is a drunkard who has problems at home and there is Babu (Shakalaka Shankar) who gets into debts as he sells his shop out of film madness. All of them are in fully need of money. They decide to help Ramu (Rajiv Kanakala) who struggles to sell Sri Lakshmi Nilayam as there are rumours that it is being haunted by ghosts. They have to prove those rumours wrong by living there which will get them money. Rest is all about their experiences in the house.

Performances:

The movie promotions are all centered around actress Tapsee but the fact is that the other characters – Srinivas Reddy, Shakalaka Shankar, Vennela Kishore and Thagubothu Ramesh have more importance in the film than her. She gets a limited role. The comedy generated by Srinivas Reddy, Shakalaka Shankar, Vennela Kishore and Thagubothu Ramesh is the highlight of the film. Shakalaka Shankar’s spoofs are hilarious especially Baba Ramdev spoof. Rajiv Kanakala gets a good role after a long time and he does well. Other characters are good in their roles.

Analysis:

Anando Brahma is the story which revolves around a haunted house. Ghosts are first introduced as humans but they understand they are ghosts only after humans arrive there. Until that is revealed, the movie gives a routine ghost film feel but after that, it turns interesting. Fight between the humans and ghosts in the second half is interesting. Film has some hilarious moments like Spoofs and bathroom scenes etc in the second half which makes it a decent horror-comedy. Director Mahi V Raghav, the writer, and director of the film does a good job. A little more care on the first half would have helped further.

Technical Values:

K's background score is impressive and there are no songs in the film. Anish Tarun Kumar’s cinematography complimented the genre. Editing should have been better. Dialogues are okay. The Production Values are good.

Thumbs Up:

- Concept

- Second half

- Comedy

- Shakalaka shankar Spoofs

- Runtime

Thumbs Down: 

- Flash back episodes

- Parts of scenes

Final Verdict: 

'Aanando bramha' is a Horror comedy thriller.

Shakalaka shankar Spoofs and bathroom scenes in second half are hilarious.

Watchable film if you ignore few drags here and there.

Review by Manikick

Rating:   3/5

Jaya Janaki Nayaka movie review

Movie:    Jaya Janaki Nayaka

Cast: Bellamkonda Srinivas, Rakul Preet Singh, Pragya Jaiswal, Nandoo, Sarath Kumar, Vani Viswanath and Others

Written and Directed by: Boyapati Srinu

Dialogues: M Ratnam

Producer: Miryala Ravinder Reddy

Music: Devi Sri Prasad

Cinematographer: Rishi Punjabi

Editor: Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao

Banner: Dwaraka Creations

Censor certificate: UA

Runtime:149 minutes

Release Date: August 11th, 2017

Watched at Bhaskara Rama theatre, palasa

Behind the Screens:

Bellamkonda Srinivas who bagged a cost failure with this first film, Alludu Seenu and his next with a big disaster with Speedunnodu, the Telugu remake of Tamil blockbuster, Sundarapandian. Star Director, Boyapati Srinu who gave superhit film saraainodu last year and now he teamed up with Srinivas for a film, Jaya Janaki Nayaka which released yesterday. Let us see how the film is??

Story-line:

Gagan (Bellamkonda Srinivas) is a happy loving college student who lives happily with his father Chakravarthy (Sarath Kumar) and Brother (Nandu). Gagan happens to meet Sweety (Rakul Preet Singh) and they fall in love. But Problems araises for her from Aswinth Narayan (Jagapathi Babu) when everything looks fine. What Gagan does to save her forms the rest of the story.

Performances:

Bellamkonda Srinivas carried his character throughout the film. He excelled in emotional scenes. He delivered dialogues effortlessly. He excelled in action and dance moves too. Rakul Preet Singh is seen in a role similar to her character in Sarainodu. Pragya Jaiswal is Super Hot. Jagapathi Babu is seen as a Stylish Villain. His introduction scenes are impressive. Sarath Kumar and Nandu are impressive. Vani Viswanath gets a disappointing role in her comeback film. Tarun Arora is good as a villain.

Analysis:

Boyapati srinu is well known for handling  a mass masala movies. He made a film with his own strengths. He should have used the twists and turns better. This story mixed of  his mark action sequences and emotions. All the action sequences and the scenes leading to them are well-written. Hamsaladeevi action sequence is one of the best in recent times. Pre-climax and climax have Boyapati mark all over. A better hero would have taken the film to next level.

Technical values:

Devi Sri Prasad’s music is good.Veede Veede Song is too good. Theme story apt to story which is good. Background score is impressive. Rishi Punjabi’s Camera work is good. Action sequences are well framed. Editingis could have been better. M Ratnam’s dialogues are effective. Production Values are grand.

Thumbs Up:

- Srinivas

- Action sequences

- Music

Thumbs down:

- Uneven flows of first half

- Routine story

- Treatment

- Editing

Final verdict:

Jaya Janaki Nayaka is Boyapati Mark Mass Entertainer which has normal love story in which hero does everything to save the heroine. 

If your fan of mass masala entertainers then this is for you. Other wise skip it without any doubt.

Review by Manikick

Rating :  2.5/5

Nene Raju Nene Manthri Review

Movie:    Nene Raju Nene Mantri

Cast: Rana Daggubati, Kajal Agarwal, Catherine Tresa, Navdeep, Posani Krishna Murali, Ashutosh Rana and Others

Written and Directed by: Teja

Producer: Suresh Babu, Kiran Reddy and Bharath Chowdary

Music: Anoop Rubens

Cinematographer: Venkat C Dilip

Editor: Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao

Banner: Suresh Productions and Blue Planet Entertainments LLP

Certificate: UA

Runtime: 152 minutes

Release Date: August 11th, 2017

Behind the Screens:

Rana Daggubati is still awaiting for hit as a solo hero. He is teaming up with director Teja who delivered several blockbusters like chithram, nuvvu nenu and jayam etc long years ago but now he is going through a lean patch for many years. Their combination film, Nene Raju Nene Mantri is releasing today with a lot of expectations created by the trailer. Let us see how the movie is??

Story-line:

Jogendra (Rana Daggubati) is a money lender in Uravakonda from Kurnool, Rayalaseema Region who loves his wife more than anything else in the World. One day, she is insulted by a village head(Sarpanch)’s wife and to teach her and her husband a lesson, Jogendra vows to become a Sarpanch. He not only becomes Sarpanch but also MLA. Later he wants become chief minister. How that happens forms the rest of the story.

Performances:

Rana Daggubati is totally involved in the role of Jogendra. But he needs improve in emotional scenes especially. Kajal Agarwal is a perfect fit as his wife, Radha. She settled in her character. Catherine Tresa is restricted to glamorous scenes as a TV Reporter. Navdeep, Posani Krishna Murali, Ashutosh Rana and others performed in their roles.

Analysis:

Director Teja came up with political satire 'Nene Raju Nene Mantri'. First half is good with high-speed game of chess and Teja has ensured that on screen as well with his gripping narration and well-written scenes. Rana’s performance just complimented his work. But then, the track between Jogendra and Radha is stretched beyond the limit in the second half. The climax could have been handled better. The comedy of Posani and Prabhas Sreenu worked in the second half. Few satirical episodes of contemporary political issues are impressive. 

Technical Values:

Anoop Rubens has come up with a decent album and excellent background score. Songs are situational. Radhamma Radhamma, Jogendra songs are good. The camera work by Dilip C Venkat is very impressive. Editing should have been better in the second half. Few Dialogues are  thought-provoking. Production Values are Grand.

Thumbs Up:

- Rana

- 2 songs

-  Few thought-provoking dialogues

Thumbs down:

- No proper Bound Script

- Lack of clarity over few episodes

- Poor climax 

- Dragged 2nd half 

Final Verdict: 

'Nene raju nene manthri' is Misfired attempt of good point i.e contemporary political drama with Lack of clarity over few episodes that would be raise.

Director aTeja certainly reinvented himself with this film. His contemporary touch to the Political Thriller with a racy screenplay worked well. If he took little of care in second half, it may have worked immensely in the film’s favor. 

Review by Manikick

Rating:   2.75/5

Nakshatram movie review

Movie:   ‘Nakshatram’

Cast: Sundeep Kishan, Sai Dharam Tej, Regina Cassandra, Pragya Jaiswal , Thanish, Prakash Raj, Shivaji Raja, Thulasi, Raghu babu, Brahmaji, JD chakravarthy and others

Story, Screenplay, Dialogues, Direction: Krishna Vamsi

Producer: K Srinivasulu, S Venugopal, and Sajju

Music: Bheems Ceciroleo, Bharat Madhusudhan, Hari Gowra and Manisharma

Cinematographer: Srikanth Naroj

Editor: Siva Y Prasad

Banner: Sri Chakra Media, Butta Bomma Creations, and Win Win Win Creations.

Certificate: UA

Runtime: 166.34 minutes

Release Date: August, 4th, 2017

Behind the Screens:

Tollywood creative director krishna vamsi is going through a very lean patch of career.  He is joining hands with Sundeep Kishan and Sai Dharam Tej who are also desperately in need of big hits with ‘Nakshatram’. Let us see how the movie, ‘Nakshatram’??

Story-line:

Rama Rao (Sundeep Kishan) hails from a Police family and aspires to join the department. He never tolerates a word on the department. One day, he gets into a fight with Commissioner’s son, Rahul (Tanish) as the latter beats a Policeman. Rahul ensures that Rama Rao does not get placed. Disappointed Rama Rao tries to commit suicide but realizes in the last minute, once can serve justice even without being a Police. But then Rama Rao lands himself in a Bomb Blast Case. What happens next in his life forms the next.

Performances:

Actors always treat Krishna Vamsi’s film as a milestone in actor's careers as the director is known to project the best in them. Sundeep Kishan impresses as a mass guy and also did a decent performance in emotional scenes. Sai Dharam Tej is good in a 30 minutes role. Regina cassandra is only limited to glamour while Pragya Jaiswal also got to perform some action along with skin show. Prakash Raj, JD Chakravarthy, Sivaji Raja and Raghu babu are good in the roles.

Analysis:

Krishna Vamsi’s last film released three years ago i.e govindhudu andarivadele which is flop at boxoffice and ‘Nakshatram’ is important film for his career. He disappointed with his screenplay and direction. He lost his charm as he is famous in. The lack of clarity and depth in characterizations which ensured that the audience is not involved in the story. The director touched the actual story only in the second half. Even though the pre-climax and climax portions are impressive, the experience is disappointing as a whole.

Technical Values:

Music is okay and are glamorously shot. Mani Sharma's background score is impressive as usual but loud. Camera work is disappointing all through with heavy colors. Editor had chance to trim few scenes. The Production Values are appropriate.

Thumbs Up:

- Concept

- Climax

Thumbs Down: 

- Camera work

- Dubbing

- Runtime

- Screenplay

- Treatment of Characterizations

Final Verdict: 

Nakshatram has crime, love, addiction and Patriotism like his previous films but is not blended impressively. 

Krishna Vamsi has come up with an honest concept but the screen-play and treatment of the characters is totally disappointing.

Yet another disappointment film from director krishna vamsi

Bottom-line: Chukkalu Chupinchina 'Naksathram'

Review by Manikick

Rating: 1.75/5

Darshakudu movie review

Movie:    Darshakudu

Cast: Ashok, Eesha Rebba, Priyadarshi, Poojitha, Noel, Naveen, Sudharshan Reddy and Others

Story, Screenplay, Dialogues, Direction: Hari Prasad Jakka

Music: Sai Kartheek

Cinematography by Praveen Anumolu

Editor: Navin Nooli

Producer: BNCSP Vijaya Kumar, Thomas Reddy Aduri, and Ravichandra Satti

Banner: BTRN Creations, Playback Pictures, and Sukumar Writings

Censor certificate: U

Runtime: 135 minutes

Release date: August 4th, 2017

Watched at IMAX, hyderabad

Behind the scenes:

Director Sukumar who delivered a super hit with his debut Production venture Kumari 21F. Now he is introducing his brother’s son, Ashok with his second Production venture, Darshakudu. For promotions, Allu arjun graced the pre-release function. Let us see how the movie??

Story-line:

Mahesh (Ashok) is a fun loving guy who dreams always to become a film director. His ambition is to make a new age love story. He somehow gets a chance to direct a film . Producer is not satisfied with romantic track in the story. So director decided to fall in love to know authentic moments.

At the same time, he falls in love with a costume designer called Namratha (Eesha Rebba ).  But then, his real life love story conplicated now. The rest of the story is all about how his love story creates troubles to his film and how he will finish the film in time.

Performances:

Debut hero Ashok struggled to settle in his role. He has to improve a lot in all aspects performance, body language, ease, dialogue delivery and confidence etc. Eesha Rebba looks beautiful and delivers decent performance all through. Scenes between the lead pair are good. Upcoming Comedian Sudharshan Reddy is okay while Priyadarshi of Pellichoopulu fame is good in a very small character. Noel, Poojitha, Naveen and others did their job well.

Analysis:

Director Hari Prasad Jakka had chosen a good concept of making a love story based on a film director and costume designer but did not work enough on the script. Screenplay is bad. The director’s work in the film is totally useless. 

Technical Values:

The music is just okay while the theme of the film is impressive. The camera work is not at all good and the lighting is even disappointing. Editor had a chance to cut the scenes in both half's. Few Dailogues are good. Production Values are okay.

Thumbs Up:

- Concept

- Few moments

Thumbs Down:

- Screenplay

- Second half

- Camera work

- Hero Ashok

Final Verdict: 

'Darshakudu' is all about the journey of one film maker.

While the title is Darshakudu, the story is mostly about the love story between the director and a costume designer, but then the title gives a feel it is all about filmmaking and the struggle of a filmmaker.

The first half of the film is just okay with few scenes here and there. The second half is so disappointing. 

Skip this film.

Bottom line: 

Useless Attempt by weak 'Darshakudu'

Review by ManikickReviews

Rating:   2/5