Cast: NTR, Rakul Preeth Singh, Jagapathi Babu, Rajiv Kanakala, Rajendra Prasad and Others
Directed by: Sukumar
Produced by: B.V.S.N. Prasad
Banner: Sri Venkateswara Cine Chitra
Music by: Devi Sri Prasad
Release Date: 2016-01-13
The most awaited movie of the season Nannaku Prematho is out in theaters now. NTR's extreme makeover and Sukumar's track record has set high expectations on this movie that looked 'different' right from the outset. Did the duo deliver the goods?
What is it about?
Abhi (NTR) takes up a mission to bring down multi-billionaire Krishna Murthy (Jagapathi Babu) to ground zero as he cheated his father Prasad (Rajendra Prasad). Abhi's father wants to take revenge on Krishna Murthy before he dies. Abhi plots a plan to fulfill his father's wish. For that he stalks Krishna Murthy's daughter Divyanka (Rakul) and impresses her. That leads to a confrontation between Abhi and Krishnamurthy. Rest is about the mind games between them.
Performances:
NTR: NTR is in top form in this film in a character that is radically different from what he has done until now. This is his twenty fifth film and Sukumar made sure to make it something special for NTR in every aspect. NTR's suave and stylish avatar is a treat to watch. Full marks to Sukumar for envisioning NTR in such a getup. NTR has done well to make the character believable. He made changes to his dialog delivery.
Jagapathi Babu: Jagapathi Babu has been a revelation in villain characters. His portrayal as the cunning and ruthless businessman is terrific. He turned out to be the major attractions in the movie besides NTR. There is an irresistible charm to him as he carried his role with elan.
Rakul Preeth and Others: Rakul Preeth got a role with some substance to it. She did very well in complementing NTR. She has dubbed for herself as she played the character of an NRI. Rajendra Prasad's role is limited and he is pretty good as usual. Rajeev Kanakala and Avasarala Srinivas are good in their respective roles. Tagubothu Ramesh played a sober character for a difference. Ashish Vidyardhi is seen in a cameo. Madhubala made her presence felt.
Technicalities:
Direction: Sukumar has once again made something that is different from the routine. Looks like he has learned a lesson or two from his past mistakes that he didn't opt for confusing screenplay. He did well in etching the protagonist and antagonist characters. There are so many instances that show the brilliance of this intelligent filmmaker. However he has gone overboard at times with the intelligence part.
Music and Others: Songs are pretty good. Background score is nice too. Devi did a nice job. Cinematography is impressive. Chase scenes and the action episodes are well shot. Editing is not up to the mark. Movies of this kind should be short and crisp. Dialogue is well written with so much logic and philosophy to it.
Thumbs Up:
NTR
Jagapathi Babu
Screenplay
Music
Thumbs Down:
Too Classy
Lengthy
Analysis:
Nannaku Prematho is entertaining but in a different way. This is not everyone's cup of tea. Sukumar chose a commercial plot but came up with different treatment with his brilliance at display. There are ample scenes where the director uses brains to entertain the audience. People who like to watch mind games and clever play between the hero and villain will like it. But this kind of films won't appeal to the masses and especially to the fans of NTR.
NTR is known for massy characters. He has been trying out different characters but never moved out of his comfort zone. In Nannaku Prematho NTR's look or character will not appeal to the mass audience. Sukumar has been saying that this is a commercial film but his idea of commercialism is different to that of others. A big question mark will be hanging over the fate of this film due to the limited appeal.
Nannaku Prematho is not a bad film at all. It has its moments and clever screenplay that will appeal to the educated audience. NTR and Jagapathi Babu have made it worth watching. Sukumar's brilliant screenplay will leave you awestruck at times. Having said that Nannaku Prematho may not perform well in B and C centers. People who liked 1 Nenokkadine will like this one too. But will this appeal to larger audience than 1? We are going with three stars purely because of its content. Liking or disliking it will depend upon ones personal tastes.
Verdict: Less Emotion, High Intelligence.