BOTTOM LINE
Blunder Second Half
OUR RATING
2/5
CENSOR
U/A 2h 49m
What Is the Film About?
Alluri tracks the journey of a sincere cop, Alluri Sita Ramaraju (Sree Vishnu), when he joins the ranks as a young police officer to his various posting and growth in the department. The movie’s core plot is his life and various encounters that make him an inspiration for younger cops.
Performances
Sree Vishnu plays a sincere and ferocious cop in Alluri. With the title, we wouldn’t be expecting anything less, too. The young actor does full justice to the part regarding showing commitment. There is a visible change in body language and attitude. The aggression can be felt right out of the screens, and the slightly bulked-up frame adds to the appeal.
The only initial apprehension is if the role is too heavy for a young actor like Sree Vishnu. The first half especially is like a star hero act concerning the attitude and body language. In the second half, he returns to his usual space playing the character more subduedly. Either way, Sree Vishnu leaves a mark for sure.
Kayadu Lohar has a filler sort of female lead part. She starts not so promisingly, looks wise, but improves on that count later. The few scenes she has are also extremely routine and cliched, which makes her part forgettable.
Analysis
Pradeep Varma directs Alluri. He has been inspired by the movies like Sethupathy (Tamil), Krack etc., for the cop drama. It is about the sincere cop and his journey in fighting the injustice around him.
The director’s approach is pretty clear from the start. The focus is on the hero’s elevation from the start. It might look a little odd initially, but things get into the groove immediately. The first interaction at the police station sets the ball rolling perfectly.
The hero’s attitude, dialogues and energy make one glued to the proceedings, even if most of it is predictable stuff. There are some extreme liberties that make one guffaw in disbelief (like the parting scene with Naxals), but one doesn’t mind it in the flow.
The same momentum continues when the action shifts to a new place. It is like a new chapter, and we see a hero with more growth and aggression. The entire Vizag episode is also passable concerning the mass elements.
Amidst all these, a personal thread is introduced involving marriage and wife. It feels so formulaic and by the numbers. Needless to say, whenever it arrives, there is a speed breaker effect.
By the time we reach the interval, so much seems to have happened that it gives us a feeling of watching an entire movie. Unfortunately, the director too appears to have similar though we are taken on an entirely new ride post-intermission.
Not only the setting but the hero’s character changes here. The former is okay, but the latter hampers the flow, and as the narrative progresses, everything starts to feel like a new movie altogether.
The Muslim and terrorism angle is routine. Even though there is a good block or two, they don’t register because of the dull proceedings. Such is the change in narrative than when an action scene similar to the first half takes place; it looks like from a different movie.
More than anything, the biggest issue with Alluri is the lack of a cohesive story. We like the protagonist, but after a point lose connection with him. And when that happens, his fights lack the emotions necessary. It is all sound and wham-bam, but nothing works.
The climax after all that has happened gives an endless drag impression. Just when you think it is over, it is extended further.
Overall, Alluri starts as a Sethupathi 2.0 and ends as Touch Chesi Choodu 2.0. The fall is that huge, and the disjointed narrative makes matters worse. If you like action cop dramas, watch the first half and come out; you might be satisfied. Rest assured, if you watch it fully, you will be disappointed.
Performances by Others Actors
After some gap, senior actors Tanikella Bharani and Suman have some decent roles to speak off. The former especially has a proper block during the second half. Prudhvi shines in his typical style in a short burst, whereas Raja Ravindra does his usual. Ravi Varma and Madhusudhan Rao are wasted.
Music and Other Departments?
Harshavardhan Rameshwar delivers and disappoints simultaneously. The songs are terrible, and they act like speed breakers on screen. However, the background score is terrific. It elevates many scenes and does a good job even when nothing is happening.
Raj Thota’s cinematography is neat. The visuals have a consistently polished look throughout. Dharmendra Kakarla’s editing could have been better, especially during the second half. The dialogues are mostly adequate.
Highlights?
Sree Vishnu’s First Half Attitude
BGM
Mass Action Blocks
Drawbacks?
Weak Story
Second Half
Songs
Non-Action Scenes
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Huge Reservations
Alluri Movie Review by M9News
