BOTTOM LINE
Lousy execution derails Dongata.
OUR RATING
2.5/5
CENSOR
“U/A” Certified, 139 Mins.
What is the film about?
A kidnapping drama where an actress is kidnapped for ransom money. What is the reason and how it all ends is what the film is all about.
How is Manchu Lakshmi’s performance?
Manchu Lakshmi is given the role of an actress here which means she doesn’t have to act really and be herself for a change. Of course it’s another matter that this is what she has been playing in all other roles too so there isn’t much of a difference really. She over acts as usual and if one has seen the trailer they would be aware of the kind of acting that is going to be on display.
Direction By Vamsi Krishna?
The film has a decent plot and there is ample scope for twists in the tale but the director should be able to make use of them effectively. Has Vamshi Krishna in his debut achieved that? The answer to this question would be a firm no. Direction of the film is its weak link.
The movie appears patchy and the narration feels weak and all over the place even with such a simple plot to execute. There are certain screenplay twists which are good as it is that engage us but beyond those there is nothing in the film. A film like this should be exciting and razor sharp from the word go, thanks to inept direction that effect is missing and hence lessening the impact of the film. In this case making no impact at all.
Adivi Sesh and others performance?
There are primarily four to five characters in the film. They all have defined roles and they just about pass muster in engaging the viewers. Adivi Sesh and Brahmanandam stand out clearly among the small ensemble. Others are okay at best.
Music and other departments?
Music for the film has composed by multiple people and it’s nothing remarkable or special to stand out. Background score by Sai Karthik is decent and helps prep up the proceedings in parts. Editing should have sharper. Cinematography is fine. But the real highlight of the film is actually the dialogues by Saimadhav Burra. Despite all the short giving on display it’s the dialogues that constantly manage to evoke an emotion be it comedy or drama.
Highlights?
Dialogues.
Some comedy bits in first half.
Beginning of second half.
Pre climax.
Drawbacks?
Uneven tone throughout.
Direction.
Alternative take:
A racy narration of the same subject with some fresh twists would have done wonders for the final output.
Did I enjoy it?
In parts.
Will you recommend it?
Yes but with huge apprehensions only for dialogues.
Dongata Review by Siddhartha
