Early Tollywood: SNEHA

12.04.2009

Ravi Babu's AMARAVATHI (2009) Movie Review by Greatandhra

Film: Amaravathi

Rating: 2.5/5

Banner: Bhavya Creations

Cast: Ravi Babu, Nandamuri Tarakaratna, Bhumika, Sneha, Sindoora, Raghava, Subhashini, Kota, Paruchuri Gopalakrishna, Kasi Viswanath and others

Music: Sekhar Chandra

Fights: Kanal Kannan

Editing: Shankar

Cinematography: Sudhakar Reddy

Director: Ravi Babu

Producer: V Anand Prasad

Release date: 04/12/2009

Ravi Babu is slowly creating a brand for himself with his different approach towards film making. He has now arrived with ‘Amaravathi’ and how chilling and thrilling it has been, let us see.

Story:

The emergency help line 108 gets a call that a nine month pregnant woman’s life is in danger. By the time the staff reaches there, the baby is taken away by cutting the stomach. This is done by a psychopath (tarakaratna). Such things repeat so the special task force gets Venkat (Ravi Babu) to investigate. He manages to catch the killer but then even when the interrogation is going on, similar incidents happen outside. How does that happen? How does Venkat solve the case? All this forms the rest of the story.

Performances:

Tarakaratna
His face was covered with a mask so that his expressions need not be seen, as long as it was seen, he was showing few blank expressions and did an okay job.

Ravi Babu
As a cop, he did his job. Since he has already proved himself as a director and an actor, he has done justice to his bit.

Sneha
As Ravi Babu’s wife, she has done okay job. Her romantic scene with Ravi Babu gathered a good response from the audience.

Sindoora
As Ravi Babu’s colleague, she looked sleek and stylish. Apart from toting the gun, there was not much she could do in terms of expression or performance. There was not even that much scope for her.

Bhumika
She is as usual, sometimes as a mad girl, sometimes in a graceful manner, her role was very limited.

Others
Kota, Paruchuri, Kasi Viswanadh, Subhashini did their bit as required and added value to the film.

Technical crew
As his previous movies, Ravi Babu has taken ‘Amaravathi’ in a very high quality technical standard. Though he has taken the movie from the start to the end in a gripping manner, fifteen minutes after the interval tends to give an idle time to the audience. After that, he has kept them engaged completely and here and there, he also mixed comedy and showed his sense of humor.

For a thriller movie, background score and cinematography are two very key aspects so both departments did very well. The cinematography gave a mood to the audience while the background score had enough punch and shock moment in it. The dialogues were weak, the screenplay was alright, costumes were hyped, art department was creative, editing was nice but it could have been crisp during the first half.

Analysis:

The film ‘Anasuya’ showed heart, kidneys, eyes and other organs being taken away by a psychopath (Ravi Babu) and in ‘Amaravathi’ Tarakaratna came in the role of a baby lifter by cutting the stomach of the pregnant women. But then, the subject of hypnotism, the way it was used for the film and the twists that were deployed using this gave a new feel. The flip side of the coin is some unusually silly things. For instance –

Sneha ‘runs’ to open the door when the bell rings, this when she is 9 months pregnant

The special task force outfit and the office set up, cars, it was obviously a copy of the SWAT teams in the US, how absurd can that be? That could have been realistic

A fat and flabby guy like Raghava goes to catch the psychopath in the climax, is that the fitness levels of the special task force?

The film will appeal to those who like Ravi Babu movies or thriller genre of films. But if you compare it with ‘Anasuya’ then there is disappointment in store for you

8.22.2008

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Aadi Vishnu Review

Cast:
Arun Dasari
Sneha
Aishwarya
Kota Srinivas Rao
Suman
Ms Narayana
Dharmavarapu
Ali
Venu Madhav
Pradeep Rawat
Prema

Music: MM Srilekha

Director: Bharath Parepally

Producer: K. Ramakrishna Prasad

Dasari’s son is back again with his film ‘Aadi Vishnu’. The story of the film is well weaved, but lacks the best screenplay and so ends up in a mess at the end. Though the Actor is still un-recognized in tollywood, the other cast in the film try to fill out the emptiness in the film.

Story

Aadi Vishnu (Arun) is a son of a Srinivas Rao (Kota). Srinivas Rao is a retired teacher and dreams to be a proud father of an IT genius. Fulfilling his father dreams Aadi becomes an Information Technology genius and obtains a first rank in IIT. Aadi’s only aim is to complete his course meritoriously and then seek a job in America.

In order to pursue his dreams Aadi and Srinivas Rao come to Hyderabad in order to fetch a passport. Home Minister (Suman) of the state is an Ex-student of Srinivas Rao and so Aadi and his father take his help.

But unfortunately Aadi gets involved in a brawl with some Goons who are the followers of Yadagiri (Pradeep rawat) and Jakkalamma (Aishwarya). The reason for the brawl is Anjali (Sneha) who is a young girl and a witness of a cold blooded murder. Aadi becomes an enemy to Yadagiri due to the fight. Then another character in the name of Yadagiri’s son enters the scene. His name is Rana who is a professional bomb blast specialist.

Regrettably, Aadi is blamed to be a culprit for a bomb blast and Rana successfully creates evidences against the hero. The home minister and the Assistant commissioner of police (Jeeva) tarnish the blame over Aadi and join hands with Rana.

After a short span, another serial bomb blasts occur and Rana is proved t be the culprit behind the conspiracies. Aadi looses his father’s life in the bomb blasts and adding to this his neatly carved professional career is put on stake.

What happens next? How the hero succeeds in exposing the culprits in the disguise of government servants is the climax of the story?

Performances

Dasari Arun has matured a lot in his acting skills. But still he must still groom himself to attain the stardom. His expressions are according to the dialogue delivery, but still the fizz in the frame is missing. Action stunts are well acted. Arun’s dancing talent is average.

Sneha appears in modern costumes and saris. She tries to be modernized girl in some frames, but lacks the spice.

The comedy track is average as the comedy track is lead by Dharma varapu, Ali, Venu and Ms Narayana.

Suman, Pradeep rawat, and Aishwarya played their villains role well and are up to the mark.

Music by Srilekha looks pale to the dry subject. The cinematography is little bit praise worthy.

On the whole the movie starts well and creates some interest in the audience in the beginning, but after the interval it is dragging and has been elongated. The film gets its importance because of veteran director, actor and script writer Dasari Narayana Rao’s name tagged to his son. This movie is only worthy to be seen on small screen and may get worn out in about two weeks time from the theatres.

6.22.2008

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MAHARADHI (2007)

5.30.2008

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PANDURANGADU : A MUST WATCH MOVIE

Cast:
Balakrishna, Sneha, Tabu, Mohan Babu, K Vishwanath etc
Music:
MM Keeravani
Art:
Bhaskar Raju
Dialogues:
JK Bharavi
Director:
K Raghavendra Rao
Producer:
K Krishna Mohan
Released On:
30 May 2008 The story of Lord Panduranga is a part of 'Skanda Purana', one of 18 puranas, the treasure house for divine stories. Tenali Rama Krishna, one of the Astadiggajas of Sri Krishna Deva Raya wrote 'Panduranga Mahatyam' taking the gist from Skanda Purana. Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao directed the film 'Panduranga Mahatyam' in the production of Trivikrama Rao in 1957, taking Pundareeka Vriththantham from Tenali Ramakrishna's 'Panduranga Mahatyam'. Now the same was remade as 'Pandurangadu' adding new colors in tune with the taste of contemporary audiences. Let us see how it went on:

Story:
It is the story of Pundareeka (Balakrishna) who leads a flirting life and neglects his parents (K Vishwanath and Shiva Parvathi) as well as wife Lakshmi (Sneha). In his lusty hangover he also kicks out all his family members. He falls in the trap of a crooked prostitute Amrutha (Tabu) and loses everything. She betrays him along with her mother (Y Viajaya) and grabs his property. He then also tries to enjoy the river goddesses Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi due to his lust. He tries to kick a saint (Mohan Babu) with his leg but gets paralyses stroke. He then realizes that his paralysis is due to his sins. He gets repentance and becomes a devotee of Lord Krishna. He goes back to his parents and serves them. His wife Lakshmi and finally he himself get salvation because of his bhakthi.

Performances:
Balakrishna looked best in Lord Krishna's role. He appeared like Nata Rathna NTR in many frames in Lord Krishna's get up. His color on his body was very dark in some scenes but on a whole that is not disturbing any way. His role as Pundareeka in negative shades also grooved well. He must be appreciated for picking up this role.

Sneha is the right option to play the role of Pundareeka's wife. She rightly performed in her role.

Tabu is the glamour element in the film and she didn't hesitate to portray with all of her oomph factor. But she has 'shown' more in some scenes where there is no necessity. K Raghavendra Rao's magic is seen again on silver screen. Using the elements like fruits, milk and flowers for bringing in erotic appeal is known only for KRR.

K Vishwanath is apt in father's role. Mohan Babu although appeared for a brief time, there is a purpose for his role.

JK Bharavi's dialogues are ok. But crossed limits in some scenes and lacked in required depth in others.

K Raghavendra Rao's efforts are rightly spread on screen. He has shown newness in many things. He has even shown the temples in Combodia for songs in dream sequences. Although not in the degree of Sri Ramadasu or Annamayya, he could bring in devotional depth in this theme as well, especially in climax.

Best Things:
Music plays best role in entire film. Lyrics are also aptly written and pictured in very sensible way-although the song 'Kosala Desapu..' is too erotic. Lord Krishna's 'Vishwa Roopam' scene certainly deserves great mention. That's splendid and marvelous. Mohan Babu's role, although short has made his presence felt in right manner. The film stepped into right tempo since his entrance. The message 'parents are more than the Lord God' is rightly conveyed which is a must for people at this juncture. The scene where Pundareeka asks Lord Krishna to wait outside for him until he completes his 'seva' for his father is really wonderful.

'Critic'al Aspects: Sneha's initiative to marry Ranga (Pundareeka) by showing her over-activeness in front of his house is something that's not in right sync with the tempo Sunil's comedy with hairy get up is also nasty that kicks out audiences from getting immersed into the theme In a scene Tabu dances in emotion by applying vermilion to her face. Audiences have shouted 'laka laka laka..' at that time. When the scene is composed with emotion which is more than required, the result will be that. The scene of Lord Krishna showing Brindavanam to Pundareeka is made with not so convincing graphics. Director would have looked into something spiritual with meaningful analysis for 'Krishna Tatwam' in stead of that. Although the questions regarding 16000 gopikas and 8 wives of Lord Krishna have risen in the film, they weren't answered in right 'taatwik way'. Writers of JK Bharavi's standard must be able to bring the gist of Krishna Tatwam in that scene. That was not rightly utilized as the answer given by Lord Krishna is very normal. Some dialogues have crossed the line- 'naavi pettudu pallu neevu pettudu………." (Brahmanandam's dialogue with Y Vijaya). As the right patrons for this film are family audiences, dialogues of that sort would disturb a little. Kids should watch mythological and devotional films to learn the essence of bhakthi and tatwa but not the meaning of these mundane dialogues. What happened to prostitute Amrutha and her mother? Why those villains weren't shown again? Balancing act hasn't happened by not putting an end to those villains.3

Analysis: The films of this sort should come again and again. They should teach the essence of Indian culture, bhakti and traditions. Film makers also should focus more on such subjects. 'Pandurangadu' is definitely the subject that has elements to make a commercial film. The subject has ample rakthi along with bhakti. Both these bhakti and rakhti should overlap in right manner. But that didn't happen here. Only in the second half (especially from the appearance of Mohan Babu's role), the spirit of the film is underlined. Last 30 minutes has enough of devotional fervor. The film could have been better if the scenes in first half were composed with more conviction. To sum up, this film is a must watch for all those who wish to know the essence of bhakthi and value of parents.

courtesy : www.greatandhra.com

4.28.2008

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DOWNLOAD PANDURANGADU 2008 AUDIO SONGS

4.24.2008

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SNEHA AS SHREYA'S MOTHER

3.31.2008

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PRIYAMAINA NEEKU 2001

Music: SA Raj Kumar
Story, Screenplay & Direction: Bala Sekharan
Producer: RB Chowdary
Dailogue:Chintapalli ramana
Release Date: 21st February 2001

Cast:
Tarun,
Sneha
Preethi
Tanikella Bharani
Sivaji
Venu madhav

Story

Ganesh (Tarun) is a carefree college youth whose life revolves around friends and doing good deeds for them and upsetting his father (Bharani). One day he fumbles upon a Red diary in his father's auction shop. It is a dairy left behind unknowingly by Sandhya (Sneha).

The entire first half is narrated through the diary in this film. Sandhya is staying in the house opposite to that of Aishwarya (Jhansi), who is the sister of Ganesh. She falls in love with Ganesh after listening to his melodious guitar play. But Ganesh is unaware of her love and he never uses to interact with her. She is also a shy girl, who never let Ganesh know about her feelings. Sirisha (Preethi) is the younger sister of Sandhya, who is studying in a hostel. When she comes home for holidays, she gets jealous of Sandhya for loving Ganesh and she wanted to grab him from her. Sirishna assures Sandhya that she will liaison the love of Sandhya between Ganesh and Sandhya and plays a double game by playing tricks on Ganesh to attract him. Meantime, the father of Sandhya and Sirisha gets transferred to Vizag. Sandhya asks Sirisha to tell Sandhya's love to Ganesh. Sirishna proposes to Ganesh and gets rejected. Sandhya, who witnessed the entired episode secretly, feels cheated by the betrayal of her own sister. At the same time, Sandhya stays away from proposing to Ganesh for the fear of rejection. The family of Sandhya moves to Vizag. In the transfer process her diary gets misplaced.

After knowing that Sandhya is her secret admirer, Ganesh recognizes the purity in her love and wants to meet her and propose his love to her. He jets off to Vizag along with his friend Chacha (Venu Madhav). There he finds a mutual friend Raghu (Sivaji) and stays in his house. Raghu is a rich bachelor, who is staying with their parents and is very good at heart. As Ganesh explores his secret mission of finding Sandhya, Raghu gets engaged to the unwilling Sandhya. Later on Raghu comes to know that Ganesh is there to search his silent admirer.

Ganesh know that Raghu is marrying Sandhya. Being a good friend, he does not want to betray him. Sandhya has agreed to marriage since she does not want to make the things worse for her father and sister. But she still loves Ganesh. Sirisha wants to amend the mistake she has done. She searches for Ganesh to unite them. Things are still unsure and hazy as Sandhya and Ganesh are going to tie the knot in a few minutes. You have to watch this slow paced different love story if you want to know the climax.

Performances:

Artists:

Tarun: Tarun did this tailor made role with an ease of perfectionist. In this film too his character gets lot of sympathy just like his character in Nuvve Kavali.

Sneha: The newcomer is in her elements in this film. This natural beauty is the perfect fit for the role. She has very few dialogues in this film and carried the most of her action through expressions.

Preethi: She is a misfit in this film. A girl with josh is needed for this character and Preethi made a mess out of it.

Technical Departments:

Story, Screenplay & direction: Bala Sekharan, the man who directed the Tamil version of Pawan Kalyan's Suswagatham, did try to repeat the success by weaving another one sided love story. The flash back in the first-half is narrated though the series of leaflets from the memoirs of the Hero. He could have made the script a crisp one. Because of the nature of story, this film went on a slow pace. He could have made the film little shorter. Nonetheless, he made sure that this film too have all the clean ingredients the youth is looking for.

Dialogues: Ramana Chintalapalli, who was in hot seat during the days of 'Toli Prema' penned dialogues for this film. There is one particular eye-opening dialogue in this film, which goes on like this - "Manishiki Manishiki rayabaaraalu vundochukaani - Manaduki Manasuki raayabaaraalu undakoodadu'. There is another full-length dialogue for Venu Madhav that evokes lot of laugh.

Music: Songs of this film work like the typical slow poisoning by SA Raj Kumar. 'Manasuna Vunnadi' song is the highlight of the film, which represents the state of heart of the secretly admiring heroine. There is one particular catchy guitar bit in this film that comes repeatedly, which comes in the starting of the song 'Manasuna Vunnadi'.

Production: RB Chowdary, like any other seasoned successful producer, knows the pulse of the viewers and according the select the scripts and directors.

Analysis: This film started with a low note as an average film. Courtesy - the movie-eater Narasimha Naidu. With the help aggressive publicity, a good film can never fail. Over the next few weeks, it made an unexpected turnaround to become a good hit, as the collection sour up week after week. If you are patient enough to watch a little slow paced film, this movie is a best bet.