|
|
EDITOR'S PICK
Rating: **
Puri Jagannadh`s film always creates interest before its release mainly because
the way the talented writer-director narrates his story and chooses the title.
His blockbusters including Pokiri, Desha Muduru,
Idiot and Kannada film Appu have made him the most
talked about director in the south Indian film industry.
But recently the director has been making utterly disdainful commercial films.
His previous movie Golimar, a reasonably successful film, did not
have the imprint of a Puri film.
Desperate to get a big success, he has been using more commercial elements in
his films, which have affected his credibility and have also disillusioned his
fans.
His latest venture Nenu Naa Rakshasi featuring young actor Rana
Daggubati and glamorous Ileana is another letdown. The film`s story and
narrative lacks coherence and logic.
Fast-paced narrative has always been a strong point of Puri`s movies, but Nenu
Naa Rakshasi is an exception. The second half bores you so much that you
even think of walking out of the theatre.
Puri should be complimented for writing a story on a sensitive issue like
suicides, but he has not handled it properly. Puri ends up making a cheap and a
below average product.
The first half looks pretty fresh with an engaging narration, the film falls
flat in the post interval period where the story is more confusing. Puri has
clearly messed up in post interval period when the film turns into a worn out
commercial potboiler. Precisely the reason as to why the second half of the film
looks too predictable.
The comedy tracks used to be a highlight of Puri`s films, but he has gone
several steps down by showing a cheap comedy track in the film involving Ali and
Mumaith Khan.
The story revolves around Abhi, a sharp shooter who kills for money. Then there
is Meenakshi, who has a suicidal tendency and at the same time she enjoys
shooting suicide incidents and uploading them on youtube.
Abhi somehow connects to her after first meeting, but she does not relent even
after Abhi kills a rowdy who has been harassing her. Meanwhile, a cop is
investigating who is uploading suicides on the internet.
There is another angle to the story - Ratna, a victim of Abhi`s killings, which
ended the lives of his father and brother, wants to take revenge.
Then the film`s story takes a turn and location shifts to Venice where the
climax is shot. Finally, the reasons behind Meenakshi`s fascination for
uploading suicide videos is revealed.
Rana`s physique and height apart, his performance needs improvement. He has
style, but not the energy required to play such a dynamic role.
Ileana`s glamour is exploited in the songs. Abhimanyu Singh, Subbaraju and
Kota`s performances match requirements of their roles.
Music is good and camera work is effective, but the film fails to get the nod
mainly because Puri has failed as a director and writer.
Nenu Naa Raakshasi will disappointment fans who have been eagerly
awaiting for the movie.