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Saturday, April 20, 2024
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TELUGU PANCHAKSHARI
EDITOR'S PICK
Rating: * 1/2
She has been a top heroine of Telugu and Tamil movies and the success of "Arundhati"
has skyrocketed her stature in the industry. Her recent film "Panchakshari"
is largely influenced by "Arundhati" in the way the script has been
written and the way incidents of the past mix with the present.
But director Samudra is not Kodi Ramakrishna, who has specialised in making
films like "Arundhati" or has the capabilities of making a fully
engaging commercial film. Samudra`s track record has been inconsistent so far
and he has once again failed with "Panchakshari" that has Anushka in a
double role.
The main problem with "Panchakshari" is its flawed narration and
hackneyed script written by Samudra himself. He has included some silly comedy
elements that mars the film`s quality.
Samudra`s lacklustre and unimaginative direction is in full evidence in many
sequences. In one of the scenes Anushka and her imaginary lover are burnt alive
and there is not even a scream that is heard. Despite directing many films so
far, it seems Samudra has not learnt any lessons from his past mistakes.
"Panchakshari" revolves around an ambitious business woman Honey who
runs her own firm. But she is anti-marriage and for her parents` peace of mind
she lies to them saying she is seeing someone. The family members are surprised
when the same person lands up at their doorstep.
Meanwhile, in another place there is a Honey lookalike called Panchakshari - a
much revered woman who gets killed by criminals pursuing a treasure. It`s left
to Honey take revenge from those who killed Panchakshari.
The story has a lot of similarities with "Arundhati", but Anushka, who
looked brilliant in "Arundhati", has given inconsistent performance in
"Panchakshari". She impresses as Panchakshari, but is not up to the
mark in the role of Honey.
Samrat comes off well in expressions and can be groomed. Veteran character
artists like Nasser and Pradeep Rawat look convincing in their respective roles.
Though there is lot of scope for comedy sequences, the film suffers from
overacting from even veteran comedy artists like Brahmanandam and Telangana
Shakuntala.
The music by Chinna is ordinary, but the camera work is much better. Noted
editor Marthand Venkatesh has nothing much to do in elevating the film marred by
an erratic script.
"Panchakshari" is like a crude attempt to copy the hugely successful
"Arundhati" and director Samudra spoils the show.
Thiruvananthapuram, June 13 (IANS) Veteran film director Shaji N. Karun is set to make a full length documentary on master painter M.F. Husain.
Speaking to IANS, Shaji as he is popularly known, said that
he has spoken to the 94-year-old legendary artist, who has agreed for it.
"The documentary would begin in October and is slated for release next
year. We are soon going to meet. More details can be revealed after we
meet," said Shaji.
"The initial work for the documentary has begun and mind you this is a
really tough one. The duration of the documentary would be more than an hour and
some Dubai-based people who do not wish to be identified are the producers of
the documentary," added Shaji.
Shaji began his career as a cinematographer and later turned to direction and
his very first film "Piravi", released in 1989, won him the
prestigious Camera d`Or - Mention d`honneur at the Cannes Film Festival.
He has directed five films in Malayalam and has to his credit five national
awards.
His last film was "Kutty Srank" with superstar Mammootty and is ready
for release next month.
Husain, who has been under attack from Hindu fundamentalists for his paintings
of Hindu goddesses, has been living in Dubai and London for a long time now.
He was conferred Qatari citizenship this year.
