BOTTOM LINE
A Genuinely Offbeat Attempt
OUR RATING
N/A
CENSOR
‘U’ Certified
1 hrs 51 mins
What is the film about?
Jangayya (Doddanna) is an aged lonely man who job is that of a hangman. Babji (Uday) is an escaped convict from death punishment. How the two meet unexpectedly on a journey and what happens in their interaction is what the movie is all about?
How is Uday performance?
Doddanna as Jangayya is right for the role with all his age and weariness showing on the face. It is however not just the looks. He plays his character in an easily connectable way with various shades on display. It does come across as theatrical at times, but that goes well with the overall mood of the film. Those who have seen the flick will surely remember the characters and that is a part well done.
Direction By Chandra Siddhartha?
Director Chandra Siddharth has been trying to make movies that balance between commerce and art. There is always a feeling with his films that he has been lost somewhere in creating that balance as they come across neither here nor there. Aa Naluguru is an exception, though, and in hindsight probably that has done more harm professionally even though the reputation and acclaim the film got still stands today.
Chandra Siddharth’s last effort was a complete commercial one Emo Gurram Egaravachu that failed, and now he has gone total opposite with Aatagadhara Shiva, which looks like a low budget art movie. The maximum part of the film happens on a road where the lead characters meet them on the way.
There are three major tracks in the movie, an escaped convict, lovers on the run, and a military official on the way to home to meet his pregnant wife. All three are neatly mixed into a single one making the screenplay interesting despite the limited locations and characters. However, due to the length, there is a feeling lag, and also, the point that the director wants to convey does not come across fully due to the rushed way the key moments are done.
Still, all said and done, Aatagadhara Shiva is a different experience at the cinema and also with a message that talks about the life and death and good and bad. How it is all a matter of perspective. Those who love to watch offbeat movies or at least give them a chance, this is the film.
Doddanna and others?
Apart from Doddanna, the movie revolves around Uday, Sandesh and Aadi and Deepthi. They have fit the roles perfectly. Aadi makes his part look like Jabardasth extension, but others around him keep things grounded. Deepthi has done a neat job, and so did Uday and Sandesh. Others including Nani and Bhadram have very less scope.
Music and other departments?
Vasuki Vaibhav’s music fits in with the tone and mood of the film. The background score by Nobin Paul is complimentary. The cinematography is good in parts, but in general, gives a short film vibe. Editing is alright. The writing in crucial moments is impactful despite the overt preaching.
Highlights?
Story
Casting
Length
Pre-climax
Climax
Drawbacks?
Very Slow
Lack Of Clarity In Emotions
Alternative Take
Definitely, the writing needs a revision and the lovers on a run track becoming a serious one.
Did I enjoy it?
In parts
Will you recommend it?
With reservations
Aatagadharaa Siva Review by Siddartha Toleti
