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EDITOR'S PICK
`Krishnam
Vande Jagatgurum` - brilliant narrative, shoddy execution
Rating: ***
Known for marrying topical issues intelligently with modern-day cinematic
elements, Radhakrishna Jagarlamudi aka Krish yet again proves why he`s
considered one of the best filmmakers in the industry. However, in his latest
offering "Krishnam Vande Jagatgurum" (KVJ), the director mixes a dying
art form called Surabhi theatre troupe with the Bellary mining issue, only to
fumble in the overall execution of the film.
Rana plays B.Tech Babu, an unenthusiastic actor in the Surabhi theatre group,
all set to go to the US for higher studies on an all-paid scholarship. But his
grandfather wants him to stay back and stage one last play in Bellary theatre
festival.
Babu, who initially resists participating, eventually gives in after the demise
of his grandfather. He travels to Bellary with his troupe and runs into Devika (Nayanthara),
a documentary filmmaker, who`s trying to blow the cover of Reddapa (Milind
Gunaji), who`s been mining illegally and in the process has affected the
livelihood of several tribal families.
Babu helps Devika to expose Reddapa and in the process makes the fight against
illegal mining his own. He has two promises to be fulfilled. Firstly, to stage
the play as promised to his grandfather and secondly, to help the tribal
families regain their lost land. How will Babu fulfill both the promises forms
the climax?
Akin to his previous films, Krish takes the effort to successfully mix two
different burning problems into the narrative of the film. What one needs to
understand and appreciate is that Krish doesn`t script two stories here, but
brilliantly builds two sub-plots that are part of a single story, yet run
parallel.
A deft screenplay is broken at regular intervals by songs that are totally
unnecessary. What makes me wonder is that why do we still believe in songs when
the real hero of a film is the script, but not the actors in it.
The sub-plots finally crossing paths to form an explosive climax at the end are
proof to the brilliance of Krish. But, sadly the output is very commercial,
which is something you barely got to see from the director in his last three
outings.
Rana has reasons to smile irrespective of the box-office verdict. His
performance was outstanding and way better than all his past performances.
Nayanthara deserves special mention for at least taking the effort to dub in her
own voice, while her performance is average.
Brahmanandam`s character is such a letdown and it`s evident that it was
introduced only with the intention of providing some relief.
Dialogues were hard-hitting and inspiring, while music by Mani Sharma, barring
the title track, is passable. Kota`s cameo is very important and apt to the
narrative, while Posani Krishna Murali and Kishore are completely wasted.
KVJ is an effort worth being appreciated but what`s the point of working hard
when the final output is shoddy.