Sundeep Kishan pinned a lot of hopes on Okka Ammayi Thappa. He was all excited as the film got closer to the release date. Rajasimha Tadinada, a noted writer has turned director with this film. Posters and the title have raised interest over the film, check out here whether Okka Ammayi Thappa turned out to be a entertainer or torture to its audience.

What is it about?

Krishna Vachan (Sundeep Kishan) and Mango (Nitya Menon) are stuck in traffic on a flyover. Hardly any vehicle moves forward because of an accident and little does Krishna and Mango know that it is a terrorist ploy. Krishna Vachan comes to know that Mango is his childhood lover and tries to get in touch with her. Meanwhile he gets caught in the web of dreaded terrorist Anwar (Ravi Kishan), who makes Krishna Vachan follow his orders by threatening to kill Mango.

Performances:

Sundeep Kishan is alright in the lead role. His chemistry with Nitya Menon is impressive. The style and attitude shown by him when the protagonist gets on top of his game is good. Nitya Menen has very little to do in this film. Wonder why she opted to do this film as she is known to be very selective about her choices. Ravi Kishan is over the top. Ajay is okay. Ali is funny at times. Tagubothu Ramesh and Prudhvi add little value. Brahmaji also is wasted in a miniscule role. There is nothing to say about the other star cast that hardly makes their presence felt.

Technicalities:

Rajasimha chose a very weak script for his debut as a director. The plot seems interesting but he has totally failed with the execution part. It is hard to keep things interested when the lead characters are caught on a flyover for more than eighty percent of the screen time. Rajasimha could've made it a taut thriller, but his attempt to play to the galleries has backfired.

Micky J Meyer music is not impressive. BGM is terrible. It is surprising to see an ace cinematographer like Chota K. Naidu come up with such a substandard product. Editing is bad. Production values are not up to the mark.

Thumbs Up:

Nitya Menon screen presence

Thumbs Down:

Screenplay

Direction

Music

Analysis:

Okka Ammayi Thappa has an intriguing setup. Almost three quarters of the film runs on a flyover, which is first of its kind in Telugu cinema. Concepts like these need to have very good technical values, taut screenplay and extraordinary performances. Sadly Okka Ammayi Thappa doesn't check any of the boxes above.

Rajasimha tried to play it safe by inserting comedy and action into the proceedings that certainly didn't help the cause. This film could have been better if it is had a runtime of ninety minutes. Despite the intriguing premise there isn't one moment where we are thrilled and excited about the proceedings.

Director's attempt to generate the patriotic feel also backfired due to bad writing. At least the film had an opportunity to redeem itself towards the climax, but the director refused to do so. Sundeep Kishan has been looking for an opportunity to break the monotony and do some niche films.

No wonder he is all excited about OAT as the script should have sounded exciting on the paper, but sadly for him it turned out to be one of the most torturous experiences at the theaters in recent times.

Verdict: Everything else is a Mess, Okka Ammayi (Nitya) Thappa!

Watch Here: A Aa Movie Public Talk

A Aa is one of the awaited movies of the seasons just because of Trivikram's brand. The director who has made a name for himself with his clean family fun filled entertainers has taken a break from star studded films and opted to make a story based film A Aa. The result is a heartwarming entertainer with lots of pleasant moments. Anasuya Ramalingam and Anand Vihari will surely tug at your heartstrings.

What is it about?
Anasuya Ramalingam (Samantha) is fed up her strict mother (Nadiya) that dictates and decides everything in her life. She attempts suicide but that doesn't change her mother's attitude. Anasuya yearns for a change from the routine life and her father (Naresh) sends her to her aunt's house. Anasuya meets her cousin Anand Vihari (Nithin) in the train and the ten days that she spends with his family changes Anasuya forever. Although she falls in love with Anand, he is already engaged to some other girl (Anupama). So how do Anasuya and Anand overcome all the hurdles and make their love successful forms rest of the story.

Performances:

Nithin: Nithin is perfect in the role of a boy next door with simple looks. He underplayed the character very well. His performance in the scene where he tells about the bad experience of his family to Samantha is superb. This is a tailor made character for him and he should be appreciated for taking up a story driven film that doesn't give much scope for his heroics.

Samantha and Others: After a very long time Samantha got a character that gives her ample scope to perform. She is extremely good as Anasuya Ramalingam, a girl caught in between her mother and lover. Anasuya will surely be remembered as one of her best characters ever.

Anupama did alright. This character seems underdeveloped. Nadiya is apt as the strict and unapologetic mother. Naresh complemented her well with his decent portrayal as hen-pecked husband. Rao Ramesh steals the show yet again. Ajay is good. Praveen got a meaty character and he did well. Avasarala Srinivas, Ananya, Hariteja, Shakalaka Shankar are aptly cast.

Technicalities:

The basic plot of this film is inspired by Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani's novel Meena. Trivikram adapted it well and presented it in a way that it appeals to the contemporary audience. His dialogues are too good in this film. Although there is a lot of story to tell, Trivikram narrated it in an entertaining way without too much drama.

Micky J Meyer's music is one of the biggest plus points. Ya ya, Rang de, Vellipoke Shyamala songs are shot well. Camera work by Natty is another plus point. The aerial shots of Pollachi are so pleasant. Editing is fine. Production values are rich. Technically A Aa is supreme with every department coming up with their best work.

Watch Here: A Aa Movie Public Talk

Thumbs Up:

Dialogues

Performances

Entertainment

Music

Climax

Thumbs Down:

Lacks emotional depth

Few threads are underdeveloped

Analysis:

A Aa has a very good plot and Trivikram executed it well without getting too much melodramatic. His style of presentation and characterizations will keep you entertained despite the lack of so called masala elements. A Aa is a wholesome entertainer that can be enjoyed with your whole family. It is a perfect summer film that gives your ticket's worth of entertainment.

Trivikram has struck with the script and didn't deviate from the plot for the sake of pleasing the masses. There is no overdose of action, emotion or comedy, but everything is offered in measured doses that could satisfy the majority of the audience. However, there is lack of depth in the emotional scenes.

Had Trivikram taken care of the emotional quotient, A Aa might have been a far superior film than what it is now. The lack of emotions is covered with right doses of entertainment though. Nithin and Anupama's thread is not developed properly. There is a little bit of confusion about why Nithin is willing to marry her even though he doesn't like her much. There are few hiccups and the screenplay meanders a bit in the middle, but everything comes on track by the end. Rao Ramesh's satirical dialogues in the climax stands highlight of the film. Despite the flaws A Aa is a far better film than most of the films we have watched in the recent past. Go for it.

Verdict: A Aa - Anubhuthi Plus Aanandam

Superstar Mahesh Babu's most awaited Brahmotsavam is out in theaters. Riding with sky-high expectations and the great buzz generated with the ensemble cast, the film's promos, music only added to the already humongous hype to the film. Given that Mahesh's previous film Srimanthudu was a huge blockbuster, his teaming up with Sreekanth Addala (of SVSC fame) has made Brahmotsavam one of the most anticipated movies of the year. It is not an easy task to live up to such expectations, but everyone trusted in the proved combination of Mahesh and Addala. To know whether the movie lived up to all its hype, check out our review.

What is it about?

Mahesh is the only son of Satya Raj, a rich entreprenuer, who is so attached to family bondings and firmly believes in relationships. However, the growth of Satya Raj doesn't go well with his brother-in-law Rao Ramesh who aims to grow on his own by separating from Satya Raj. What happens to Satyaraj when Ramesh walks out? What Mahesh does to bring back everyone together and what makes him go on a journey to find his family roots - seven generations of his family - is Brahmotsavam all about.

Performances:

Mahesh Babu: Mahesh Babu is one of the finest actors we have in the industry now. He has power to grasp the emotional depth of a character and brings the director's vision to life on screen by getting under the character's skin. He has once again done a fabulous job as an actor. His performance in the interval sequence and the climax scene is topnotch. He is a class apart. It is a treat to watch him on screen.

Samantha and Others: Samantha played a bubbly character and she did well. Kajal is wonderful as the one who represents the feelings of a contemporary girl. Praneetha has very little role to play. Satya Raj is good as Mahesh's father.  Jayasudha, Revathi, Jayaprakash Reddy and Vennela Kishore made their presence felt among the horde of actors in this film.

Rao Ramesh got the best scenes in the film and he is superb with his dialogue delivery and expressions. The scene in which he gets emotional and takes a dig at Satya Raj is one of the best in the movie. His frustration, angst make audiences feel the same and at the same-time evoking few laughs.

Technicalities:

Srikanth Addala loves to write stories about human values and family emotions. He presented them well in the film Seetamma Vakitlo Sirimallechettu and this time he has gone awry with those emotions. His intentions are right, but what lacked is a proper script that conveys the beautiful message in an appealing way. Poor screenplay and disconnected scenes makes Brahmotsavam a tedious watch and the director is the main culprit for making a mess out of a good concept.

Micky J Meyer's songs are fine with catchy tunes. They are also shot well. However most of the songs are misplaced in the movie, which is a very bad sign. Background music is alright. Cinematographer Rathnavelu excelled in his craft. Bright visuals are one of the few bests in this film. Editor seemed clueless in connecting those pointless scenes.

Producers have spent a lot on the movie as it's refreshing to see grand visuals in every frame. Managing and bringing such an ensemble cast is definitely a welcome one. Kudos to PVP for making it possible.

Watch Brahmotsavam Public Talk Here

Thumbs Up:

Mahesh Babu

Rao Ramesh

Visuals

Thumbs Down:
Weak Screenplay

Poor Direction

Artificial emotions

Analysis:

It is not easy to write the plot of the film in few lines because there is hardly any. Wonder how did Mahesh and the producers fell for Addala's script! Brahmotsavam starts off on a lazy note and doesn't move forward in spite of numerous characters on the screen. All the characters keep on eating, dancing and celebrating without any purpose.

It will be pretty hard for anybody to hide their frustrations watching at this epic mess. Only worthy scene in the first half comes during the interval point where Rao Ramesh's character breaks the silence. That followed by an unexpected twist raises hopes on the second half. However the protagonist going on a journey to find his ancestors and other relatives makes it all the more boring.

Despite director's honest attempts to make us emotionally involved, we would emotionlessly wait for it to end. The best scene of the second half comes during the climax. But it is not strong enough to make us forget all the pain that we have gone through till that point. Even the family audiences will not be able to connect with these artificial emotions and lackluster script. Mahesh the superstar too will need a miracle to save this one from sinking.

Verdict: Govinda Govinda...

24 has caught every film lover's attention with its intriguing promos. Vikram Kumar's previous film Manam has set a bar high for the director and people expected something exceptional from him again. Vikram Kumar's 24 is a science fiction drama about time travel. It is a very complicated plot but Vikram Kumar makes it simple and very understandable, and all the more enjoyable.

What is it about?

Scientist Siva Kumar (Surya) invents a watch that can control the time. His evil twin brother Athreya (Surya) is after the watch. He kills Siva Kumar and his wife (Nitya), but Siva Kumar makes sure his baby boy is in the safe hands. He also leaves the watch along with the baby. The boy grows up to be Mani (Surya) a watch mechanic. Athreya wakes up from coma after twenty six years and tries to restart the project 24. He gives an advertisement to find if someone can make his dream come true. An intrigued Mani goes to Athreya to find the truth behind the watch, but Athreya catches him and kills him and take possession of the watch. What happens next?

Performances:

Surya is just mind blowing in the role of Athreya. His expressions are priceless as he portrays the evilness of the character just by sitting in a wheel chair. Surya is also good as the scientist and as charming as ever as Mani. Samantha is good within the character's limitations. Nitya Menon has a brief role to play. Ajay is good. Saranya is impressive.

Technicalities:

Vikram Kumar has once again come up with an out-of-the-box idea and tried to narrate it in a very simple manner that most of the people could understand. He has masterfully executed the main plot of the movie. This film will put him in the league of great directors that Indian cinema has ever produced.

Rahman's background score is very good. Songs could have been better. There are only a few songs in the film and we expect far better output from the Oscar winner. Cinematography is one of the major highlights of the film. Thirru has done a fabulous job in bringing the imaginary world of the director to life. Editing is fine. Production values and VFX is top notch.

Thumbs Up:

Concept

Surya

Direction

Cinematography

Thumbs Down:

Samantha episodes

Slow pace

Limited appeal

Analysis:

Despite Vikram Kumar's best efforts to make this an appealing movie to the majority of audience, the concept may not be easily grasped by the frontbenchers. This may impact the film's prospects at the box office. 24 is not a perfect film as it has its share of flaws and problems.

Director failed to strike a balance between the colorful romantic side of the story with its grey side. The film looks entirely different whenever Atreya comes on screen. Vikram Kumar should have toned down the Surya-Samantha track. He could have edited out few bits from that episode as it comes as a major speed bump on a thrilling ride.

Although 24 has limited appeal and has its minuses it is one of the best movies in recent times. We won't get to see such ideas being executed by our filmmakers where the majority of audience loves to watch the masala stuff. Vikram Kumar needs a pat on the back for exploring something unusual and Suriya should be lauded for backing such an innovative idea. 24 is a must watch for audience that are craving something different in an Indian film.

Verdict: Two Thumbs up.

 

Anil Ravipudi's Patas was a surprise hit. The young director has delivered a very good entertainer that has given a break for Kalyan Ram who was struggling at that time. Ravipudi has once again banked upon commercial elements in his second film. Supreme is not supreme in any department, but the director made sure to have entertainment throughout the movie.

What is it about?

Balu (Tej) is a cab driver who falls in love with sub inspector Bellam Sridevi (Rashi Khanna). Balu comes across an orphan Anglo Indian kid Rajan (Mikhail) who lives on a footpath. Balu takes the boy along with him. This boy has an untold secret and his life is in danger. Vikram (Kabir) is after the kid and Balu have to save the boy from his men and help the boy achieve his goal.

Performances:

Sai Dharam Tej is a live wire. He is extremely energetic and has good comedy timing. His dances and fights will appeal to the masses. However he has to work on his expressions in emotional scenes. Rashi Khanna played the role of an entertaining cop. She is good within her limitations. She also added zing to the songs with her glamour.

Ravi Kishan too gets an entertaining character. He is competent. Kabir has nothing much to do except for looking stylish all the time. Sai Kumar and Rajendra Prasad did important characters. The real show stealer is the little kid Mikhail who is adorable. Vennela Kishore, Prudhvi, Posani, Srinivas Reddy and Prabhas Srinu did their bit in providing the comic relief.

Technicalities:

Anil Ravipudi's story is as old as hills. Even his screenplay is neither exciting nor thrilling. It moves on a predictable note, but the director is attentive enough to add comedy to the proceedings. The movie could have been a total downer if the director didn't introduce comedy characters at the right intervals. The director's work is not as convincing as his first film though. Second half lacked the zing.

Remix song is good. It is shot well too. Bellam Sridevi too will woo the masses. Sai Karthik's background music is good in parts. Editing is alright. Action episodes are impressive, especially the chase sequence. Cinematography is one of the major attractions. Sai Sriram did a commendable job in presenting the film in a trendy way. The chase sequence has Hollywood vibe to it. Production values are very good.

Thumbs Up:

Sai Dharam Tej

Comedy

Thumbs Down:

Routine Script

Predictable

Below Average second half

Analysis:

Supreme is an out and out commercial entertainer that banks heavily upon comedy. There is action, romance, sentiment and everything that we expect out of a commercial film. However except for comedy in parts and few action scenes there is nothing that really impresses the viewers.
              
The plot is too thin and very predictable. Despite the routine scenes, first half of the film is passable with some comedy episodes delivering the laughs. The scenes related to Bellam Sridevi's family have come out well. Also the valet thieves episode clicks at times. Interval is alright with an expected twist.

The real trouble starts in the second half as there isn't any conflict in the story. Everything runs on a predictable note without any twists and turns making it a boring affair. Climax should have been handled better. Fight composed on the handicapped persons is a good commercial thought. All in all Supreme has its moments but lacks the punch that is very much needed for a commercial film. It is an okay watch if you go with little or no expectations. To cut the long story short it is an average offering from the Patas director.

Verdict: Supreme is mildly entertaining.

Nara Rohit's last film Savitri was released exactly four weeks ago and he is back again. This time he is accompanied by Nandamuri Taraka Ratna, who played a dreaded villain for a change. Raja Cheyyi Veste made some buzz across film circles with interestingly cut trailers. Will this film quench the thirst of Nara Rohit and give him that much needed hit?

What is it about?

Rajaram (Rohit) is a wannabe film director. He gets a message from a top director who asks Rajaram to write a love story for him. Rajaram writes his own love story and sends it to the director, but he says that he has scrapped that project and doing an action entertainer. He asks for a particular scene where the hero kills the villain and Rajaram sends the scene to the director. In return Rajaram gets a courier from the director asking him to execute the same plan and kill Manick (Taraka Ratna). The unknown caller keeps on harassing Rajaram to kill Manick and also attacks his girlfriend Chaitra (Isha Talwar).

Performances:

Nara Rohit is in his elements. He needs to shed down few extra kilos to look better particularly in romantic scenes. He is at home in the emotional scenes. Taraka Ratna's makeup is out of place. Care should have taken on his styling and looks. He is anything but menacing in that villain character. Isha Talwar is beautiful and adds glamour to the proceedings. There are many actors in the supporting characters. Sivaji Raja, Sashank and Srinivas Avasarala made their presence felt.

Technicalities:

Pradeep Chilukuri tried to tell a beaten to death revenge story in a new style. He succeeded up to some extent, but couldn't hold the film together. There are many plot holes that makes this 'intelligent play' look lame and silly. Director succeeded in making a technically slick film within the budget constraints.

A couple of songs are passable. Title song is well shot. Dialogues are good in parts. Editing could have been tighter. Films like these should run at a breakneck pace. Cinematography is good. Stylized cinematography is the major asset to this film. Varahi banner's production values are commendable.

Thumbs Up:

Interval point

Few twists
Dialogues

Thumbs Down:

Beaten to death plot

Lethargic screenplay

Second half lacks steam

Dull Climax

Analysis:

Raja Cheyyi Veste has a very intriguing twist towards the intermission point that sets the right mood for the second half. Even the second half starts on an interesting note with some thrilling scenes right after the interval point. However director loses grip over the narration after a while and the film starts to move at snail's pace.

The flashback episode is the key for this film to keep the audiences interested about the rest of the story. However that episode lacked emotional depth and the predictable ending makes it a boring fare. Director's attempt at intelligent play didn't translate on to the screen because of poor execution.

One would expect a spell binding climax given the buildup to hero's intelligence. What Raja Cheyyi Vesthe offers is a lackluster ending with laughable emotions. This film could have been better if the conflict between the hero and villain is established well. Cat and mouse game should have been the plot device to run this sort of movie. Raja Cheyyi Vesthe ends up as a half baked film with many interesting ideas gone wasted.

Verdict: Raja Disappoints.