Monday, August 24, 2009

Movie Review - Magadheera

         I watched the much touted Telugu movie "Magadheera" on Saturday, after suffering, though briefly, the ignominy of having not watched the latest masterpiece of Telugu cinema. I am so disappointed that the movie is not even half of what it is hyped to be. I am even more surprised that not a single voice came out and said that the movie was not so good. May be the overwhelming numbers of Chiranjeevi fans(devotees) swamped and muted the few criticizing voices. Another demonstration of the power of Chiranjeevi fans. May be the advertising blitzkrieg unleashed by the money power and marketing power of Allu Aravind ( producer, also the brother-in-law of Chiranjeevi) had its effect on the moviegoers.
         The movie is below par, except the occasional blips of brilliance. Lacklustre first half doesn't amuse anybody except those hardcore Chiranjeevi fans. The second half doesn't live up to the hype generated in the first half. We can clearly see the scenes inspired by(copied from..) movies like Troy, Alexander and Jodha Akbar. In most of the scenes, the graphic work was discernible to the naked eye ( which should not be). The plot of the movie itself is not as gripping.
         Charan (hero of the movie) doesn't have that stunning look to become an instant hit. Audiences need more of getting used to him, I mean more movies from him before he starts to make an impression. This being his only second movie, he is not really at ease. His dialogue delivery doesn't fit the role and leaves much to be desired. But Charan gets full marks for the stunts he did, the hard work he put in.
         Rajamouli (director of the movie) just gets the pass marks, not the distinction as claimed by the media. The movie is not entertaining as comedy is given a complete miss.
         Kajal (heroine of the movie) looks beautiful as is the norm with today's heroines.
         In the end, Allu Aravind gets the distinction for making lot of money out of an 'also ran' movie.