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Wednesday, April 24, 2024
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TELUGU SRI RAMA RAJYAM
EDITOR'S PICK
Rating:
****
Octogenarian director Bapu has been described as one of the top directors who
specialised in making films that represented nativity, culture and richness of
folk elements peculiar to the Telugu language.
Bapu and late writer Mullapudi Venkataramana teamed up to deliver classics like
Muthyaala Moggu, Budhdhimanthudu and Andaala
Ramudu.
Venkataramana died few months ago and this time Bapu teamed up with Ramana to
deliver another classic called Sri Rama Rajyam, a remake of 1960s
Telugu hit Lava Kusha.
While the Senior NTR, who dominated the Telugu film industry like a Colossus for
more than four decades, had acted in the original film directed by C.S. Rao and
Pulliah, Bapu`s film has Nandamuri Balakrishna, NTR`s son, in the lead.
Sri Rama Rajyam is one film that the Telugu film industry can be
proud of. In these days, when everything is commercialised and films have an
overdose of sex and violence, kudos to the producer to opt for a mythological
film, which is made tastefully and with commitment.
Rama Rajyam is a well-known story, so it`s a challenge to remake
such a classic, but Bapu`s good work turns the remake into another classic.
Bapu wins his first battle by picking up the right artists. Selecting legendary
actor Akkineni Nageshwara Rao, contemporary of NTR, to play Valmiki and actress
Nayantara for Sita`s role are certainly worthy choices.
He chose to narrate the film in a peculiar style, a fusion of artistic and
tasteful commercial elements. The art work and designing part is also perfect.
Ilayaraja`s music is another major attraction. Dialogues and song lyrics are so
good that you do not want to miss them.
It would be difficult to pick up holes in the films which appeals strongly to
people who want to look at films that offer variety.
Balakrishna, Nayantara and Akkineni Nageshwara excel in their respective roles.
Balakrishna effectively portrays Rama and comes out as a winner, which seemed a
difficult task considering his legendary father`s portrayal of Rama has
penetrated deep into the Telugu audience psyche.
Nayantara`s swang song role as Sita is so good that you think she has opted for
the best film to bid adieu to acting.
The two child artists have also performed very well. Other artists are sure to
make an impact. Technically also film is strong.
Sri Rama Rajyam stands taller among mythological classics and may
well set standards like other Telugu classics like Annamayya, Krishnarjuna
Yuddham and Ramadasu
Filmgoers, who look for classics, should not miss this film.
Sri Rama Rajyam Premier Show Gallery