Showing posts with label Ram Gopal Varma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ram Gopal Varma. Show all posts

Sunday, 14 September 2014

Manchu Vishnu's "Anukshanam" Movie Review



Cast: Vishnu Manchu , Revathi , Tejaswi Madivada , Madhu Shalini , Surya
Directed by : Ram Gopal Varma
Produced by : Vijay, Parthasaradhi
Banner :24 Frames Factory, AV Pictures
Music by : Seshu KMR
Release Date : 2014-09-13
 





Plot: 
Goutam (Vishnu Manchu) is a sincere police officer who stays with his loving-wife Satya (Tejaswi). Everything goes well for him till he confronts a trouble in form of Seetharam (Surya), a cab driver-turned-serial killer who brutally murders beautiful girls in Hyderabad for pleasure. And now, Goutam launches a manhunt for Seetharam. In the mission, he is assisted by Sailaja (Revathi) who mastered in the behavioral sciences and has a knack over the psyche of pyshos.

Performances:

Vishnu Manchu: The pitch-perfect performance by film's lead protagonist Vishnu is what stands out in the film. Vishnu deserves all the laurels, accolades for choosing a film like Anukshanam. He has set a new precedent to his peers by picking such out-of-the-box story. Not many star heroes would dare to essay a role. And Vishnu seeks teeth into it. Vishnu is in good form throughout the film. He evolved as a matured-actor with this flick. Acting-wise, this could be one of the best films in Vishnu's career.

Revathi: After a long hiatus, Revathi has made her comeback. Simply put, she couldn't have better comeback. She aptly fits the bill as a psychologist. 

Surya: Despite the fact that he's newcomer, he emoted well. Unless you're informed that he's debutante, you'd not know that through his acting skills.

Tejaswi: Tejaswi as Satya sizzled in brief role as Vishnu Manchu's wife.

Madhu Shalini: Madhu Shalini essays the role of TV journalist Aasha.

Others: It's tailor-made role (Home Minister) for Kota Sreenivasa Rao and Brahmanandam is passable in the film. Brahmi's role should have been etched well.

Direction: Directing a crime thriller is a cakewalk for Ram Gopal Varma and Anukshanam is no different either. Varma does it with ease. However, he continues his uncanny camera techniques, at places, but that didn't deter you at all. RGV is back with a bang with Anukshanam.

Editing: Anukshanam is slick, fast-paced. Editing is done with great finesse. 

Thumbs Up:

Vishnu Manchu
RGV's expertise
Screenplay

Thumbs Down
:

Scenes involving Brahmanandam

Analysis:

Anukshanam instantly strikes a chord for reasons that are manifold. The movie's gritty realistic narration is something bolt out of the blue in Telugu films and this works in a big way for the film. At a time, T-town is running after illogical mass-masala commercial potboilers like Power, Rabhasa, one needs a lot of courage to come up with such a film which sans songs, comedy, over-the-top action episodes. Kudos to Vishnu and Varma for putting efforts in what they believed in. What forms is a Telugu film on the lines of a Hollywood film. Especially the film's pace is what hooks and engages audience throughout the film. Vishnu Manchu succeeds in keeping you on your toes.

Sample this, Goutam (Vishnu) receives a parcel sent by serial killer Seetharam (Surya) which has the "head" of a girl Nidhi Seetharam had killed. When Vishnu opens up the parcel in front of the Nidhi's boyfriend Navdeep, but he manages to conceal it. Vishnu's subtle action here takes the movie to new high. Sailaja (Revathi) too works in favour of the film.

Yet the movie has its share of stumbling blocks.Bramhanandam is a spoilsport for the film. Though he tries to but fails miserably. It's conspicuous that his role has been forcefully included. But it's passable. If you're a regular complainant about Telugu films, you must watch Anukshanam. And if you're not, still you should watch Anukshanam. It's not a routine Telugu film you get to watch every now and then.

Friday, 4 April 2014

Rowdy Movie Review


Rowdy Rating:3.5/5
Cast: Mohan Babu , Jayasudha , Manchu Vishnu , Shanvi
Directed by : Ram Gopal Varma
Produced by : Vijay, Gajendra & Pa
Banner :24 Frames Factory Ltd., AV Pictures
Music by : Sai Karthik
Release Date : 2014-04-04

Rowdy Movie Review

Rowdy is Desi Godfather

Unfazed by last year's debacle Satya 2, eccentric filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma came up with Rowdy this time around. For a change, Varma teamed up with Veteran actor Mohan Babu and his scion Manchu Vishnu for an action-drama. The combo itself raised many eyebrows among movie buffs at first. Soon, the film garnered good buzz after the makers unveiled its first look and music. Curious to know our verdict? Read on...


Plot: To put it simply, Rowdy is a classic tale of a faction family set in Rayalaseema backdrop. Anna (Mohan Babu), the family's chieftain, is a powerful and popular public figure in the region who defies law for what he believe in. The film revolves around Nandavaram project to which Anna is opposed for the well-being of local people. Whereas a group of antagonists who have vested interests in the project are desperate to kill Anna to get their project done. What forms rest is feud between two parties. 

Performances:


Mohan Babu: Mohan Babu as Anna carried off the film on his shoulders. His persona, mannerisms catch your eye. One could watch Mohan Babu's finest performance in Rowdy and it recalls you the performance of World's greatest actor Marlon Brando (Vito Corleone) of The God Father. It is not exaggerated to say his acting is on par with national-award winning performance. Ram Gopal Varma brilliantly extracted acting prowess of Mohan Babu.

Manchu Vishnu: Vishnu (Krishna) is a In the latter half of the film, one could see Krishna taking over reigns from his father Anna that immediately takes you back to crowning of prince Michael Corleone as successor to Vito Corleone. Varma again showcased Vishnu Manchu in a powerful, never-before-seen role. Vishnu's performance in Rowdy is a befitting answer to his critics. No doubt, Vishnu excelled as an actor and gone to next-level with Rowdy.


Jayasudha: Jayasudha, who earned the sobriquet of Sahaja Nati, again lived up to her tag. Her role as Lakshmi, wife of Anna, is flawless. Sentiment and romantic scenes between Lakshmi and Anna work in favour of the film.

Shanvi: Shanvi plays Sirisha, romantic interest of Krishna (Vishnu). She does have substantial role in the film. Shanvi is appealing, easy on eyes. Yes, she looks sexy in Nee Meeda Othu romantic song with Vishnu. Looks like, Shanvi has struck Gold with Rowdy.


Technical Aspects:

Music: Sai Karthik has rightly used RGV's opportunity. Music is soothing and comes in handy for film. Especially, the background score needs special mention. BG work perfectly blends with scenes and it elevates the film at many places.

Cinematography: Satish Muthyala's Cinematography is passable.

Editing: Editing is okay and could have been better. The film is slick and sharp due to tight editing work.

Thumbs Up:

1. Terrific performances of lead cast
2. Strong storyline
3. Direction
4. Slick narration

Thumbs Down:

1. Tanikella Bharani's dialogues
2. Cinematography at portions

Analysis: Ram Gopal Varma's Rowdy is perfect adaptation of Mario Puzo's greatest classic The Godfather. Varma, who is going through lean phase of late, don't want to take any chances with Rowdy. He strictly goes by The Godfather. Yet he told in interesting, convincing way. Terrific performances of stellar cast (Mohan Babu, Vishnu and Jayasudha) and the perfect brooding atmosphere make Rowdy an outstanding work of RGV in recent times. RGV's gripping narration takes the film to top level.

The idea to showcase Mohan Babu sans makeup, wig appears real and natural. Perhaps, this is what compels audience to instantly connect with the role Anna. There are no forced songs, dialogues unlike typical Telugu films. Music composer Sai Karthik is a dark horse and surprising element in the film. He has done his best job.

Had the makers taken enough care on technical front, Rowdy would have been classic. Cinematography at times put you off. Film is slick and sharp. Editing is okay but could have been better. Dialogues are fine. Few extra dialogues of Tanikella Bharani (Vedam) may not go well. On whole, Rowdy is far better than recent RGV's films. Rowdy is a breathe of fresh air to Tollywood which is stuck with stereotypical potboilers.

Verdict: Devil (RGV) is Back!
http://chithralahari2025.blogspot.in/

Tuesday, 1 April 2014

THE VISHNU JUGGERNAUT

Entrepreneur-actor-educationalist-philanthropist Manchu Vishnu dons motley hats in real life. Spanning a decade-long career in filmdom, it wasn't cake walk for the Manchu musketeer despite strong filmy background. Yes, it's a roller coaster ride. With three back-to-back stupendous hits-- Denikaina Ready, Doosukeltha and Pandavalu Pandavalu Thummeda-- under his belt, Vishnu juggernaut is riding high in his career. The Manchu scion is all set to clock one more hit to his credit with his next Rowdy.

Lanky Vishnu is usually reticent but when he chooses to speak, he doesn't mince his words. Few days ahead (releasing on April 4) of his upcoming film Rowdy, Gulte.com engages the man of the moment for an exclusive interview. In a candid chat-a-thon at his office MB Corp in Madhapur, Hyderabad on Tuesday morning, cool and composed Vishnu gets talking about several tricky issues industry is going through, his upcoming films, his loving father, his heroines, his guru Ram Gopal Varma and of course his much-anticipated film ROWDY. Excerpts:

Wearing Many Hats

Juggling with film production, acting and educational institutions might appear surprising for people outside my family. Since I grew up in atmosphere of films and educational institutions, neither education nor entertainment is a new jargon to me. And if you aks me to foray into something I'm unaware of (ex: Real estate), I won't as definitely I don't have any touch with it. To put it simply, a fish doesn't need to learn how to swim. Same way, education and entertainment are two regions which I reckon with. And to the rest of the fields, I'm a novice.

Rowdy

Varma garu and I had planned to do a comedy film at firt but it was put off as he later came up with the subject of Rowdy on condition of roping in dad Mohan Babu garu. Since my dad too want to see me in a full-fledged action role, we both came on board finally. I took up the role Krishna which I haven't portrayed till date. It is not exaggerated to say that Rowdy is going to be a landmark film in my career. I'll garner accolades, respect as an actor after Rowdy release. Sharing screen space with Jayasudha aunty and dad was fabulous experience. Scenes, on-screen relation between dad and Jayasudha aunty come in handy for Rowdy. I wish I do get such a heroine for me in days to come. The 11-minute action episode before interval was brilliantly shot. Background score elevates the film to the hilt. Unlike RGV's previous films, Rowdy has loads of sentiment which instantly connect with ladies and all walks of life. I bet audience shed tears while watching the second half of the film.

Relation with RGV

As I said in audio launch, RGV to me is just like how Dasari garu to dad (Dr Mohan Babu). I'm honoured to act under RGV's direction. Ramu garu and I will team up again for an action-thriller soon. The movie will go onto floors after wrapping up promotions of Rowdy. If all goes well, we do have plans to come up with a sequel for Rowdy. Rowdy 2 is on cards.

Business

This is the first film of mine which has got a great demand in abroad as well as in India. In order to control distributors we even hiked our prices but that is not stopping them to demand for distribution rights. We ourselves stepped into overseas distribution for the first time. AMC Empire 25 is my favourite theatre in America where I watch out many Hindi, English films. I always dreamt of screening of my film in the theatre. This turned out to be real with Rowdy as it will be releasing in AMC Empire 25.

Best Compliment

During recent press conference in Vizag, RGV told media persons on record "Vishnu is the best actor I've ever worked". This is the one big compliment I'd cherish for the rest of my life. The release dates of Dhee and Vasthadu Naa Raju also has a place in my heart.

Shy Guy

I'm shy guy and I am not very much comfortable acting with my on screen ladies except Hansika. Since Hansika is my best friend, I'm very comfortable sharing screen space with her. Shanvi is so sweet and we carried off well. The romantic scenes between Shanvi and me were aesthertically shot.

Socially Inactive

Unlike my other family members, I'm not a social guy. I'm a private man and I'd like to be so. After my Twitter account got hacked, I didn't want to . Rather I want to put my energies on my career. May be after six months or a year, I might reconcile to comeback to Twitter, Facebook platform to make happy my fan base.

No Regional Barriers

Rowdy might be set in Rayalaseema backdrop, that doesn't mean I'm in favour of any region. I'm an Indian and would support a pan-India ideology. I was born in Chennai, studied in Tirupathi and working in Hyderabad. I'm equally attached with every one of this locale. Even if I go to Chennai now, many people there own me as a Tamil guy. 

Kollywood Calling

By the end of this year, I'll be doing a Tamil film. If I get impressive, lucrative offer in Bollywood, I don't have qualms to test waters there. I'm open to go places. Being an actor, I want to explore all things.

Cinema in next 10 years

Telugu Cinema and Indian Cinema are set to undergo tremendous change. I could see a techonological revolution in store for Indian Cinema in the next ten years and Tollywood play a significant role in it.

Parting Shot

All I'd like to tell audiences that Rowdy is going to live up to all the expectations. In short, RGV will be back with a bang. Dad will steal the show whereas I'll go to the next level in my career with this Rowdy. Hope people won't encourage piracy.

http://chithralahari2025.blogspot.in/

Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Fresh Controversy hits Mohan Babu's Rowdy

Quite unexpected this is, but a political JAC from Norther Andhra is now breathing fire on Mohan Babu's forthcoming film 'Rowdy'. Accusing that the title of the flick, and the content of the movie are spoilers of society, these JAC leaders announced their plans of halting the movie's release.
 
"Crime rate laced with factionist attitude and criminal intent is going up in society only due to influence of movies, especially made by director Ram Gopal Varma," says a political JAC. "He showed Mohan Babu as a factionist and the flick might trigger unwanted feuds in state at the time of elections," the JAC leaders added. Protesting against Ramu's violent flicks and his most recent 'Rowdy', Northern Andhra political JAC warned to stall the release of the movie. They stated that if Censor Board fails to act on the movie then they are going to stage a protest in front of theatres to hold the screening of this flick.
 
Blaming on movies for everything that happens on silver screen is something analysts from either side will not accept. If there is something really objectionable, then there are censor boards, courts and human rights commission, but these JACs should not create a ruckus is what many are saying. Let us see how Mohan Babu and Ramu respond to the controversy.

http://chithralahari2025.blogspot.in/

Thursday, 20 March 2014

Rowdy music review: Spell-binding

Rowdy music review: Spell-binding


Cast: Mohan Babu, Jayasudha, Manchu Vishnu, Shanvi
Direction: Ram Gopal Varma
Music: Sai Karthik
Lyrics: Kasarla Shyam
Producers: R. Vijay Kumar, P. Gajendra, and M. Parthasarathi
Audio Label: Puri Sangeet
Rating: 3.5/5
The music of Mohan Babu-Jayasudha-Manchu Vishnu starrer Rowdy has been unveiled by T-town biggies last night at a grand gala ceremony held at Sree Vidyaniketan institutions in Tirupati. Curious to know our verdict on the film's album? Check this out.

Rowdy's music album, composed by Sai Karthik, comprises 5 songs- "Ammorini Minchina Ayyavu Nuvve...Ayyorini polchina Annavu Neeve...Maa Gudisello Deepam Nuvve...Maa Adugullo Jadavu Nuvve", "Oo Bullemma......Jara Kanchi Pathu Cheera Katti Thayarundamma Nee Kaallu Thokkostha", "Anna...Anna...Thappo Oppo Lekka Cheyyadu" (Theme Song), "Nee Meeda Othu..Na Prema Meeda Othu..Nakosam Ninnu kanna Ee Seema Meeda Othu", "Adi Ra...Seema Lekka"

Music director Sai Karthik, who rendered music for Krishna Vamsi-Nani's Paisa, has scored more brownie points with Rowdy album. All the numbers of the film are equally racy and soothing. Especially the song "Oo Bullemma..." is one of the highlight songs of this album and expected to turn out as chartbuster. The stills of the song are teasing, kicking anticipation to watch out the song. Since Jayasudha shaking her legs after two decades and that too grooving with Mohan Babu, is grabbing many eyeballs. Melodious tune "Nee Meeda Othu..." is music to ears whereas "Ammorini Minchina Ayyavu Nuvve..." is montage song which lived up to film's hype. Lyrics by Kasarla Shyam, for all the five songs, are catchy and sinking with the tunes. Despite having young music composer Sai Karthik on board, the album has all elements to top the charts. Ram Gopal Varma's mark is conspicuous in the songs. 

http://chithralahari2025.blogspot.in/