BOTTOM LINE
Gripping, In Parts Only
OUR RATING
2.5/5
CENSOR
2h 20m, ‘U/A’ Certified.
What Is the Film About?
Aditya (Nithiin) is given a death sentence for his involvement in terrorist activities. How Chess plays a crucial role in Jail (for him) to overcome the penalty is what the movie is all about?
How Is Nithiin’s Performance?
Nithiin plays another simple boy next door kind of character. The change is that he is caught in unexpected circumstances and is sent to jail. So, there is significantly less to none of his usual charm and romantic fun. He is given a serious part, and he does it in a typical way by reducing his overactive-ness.
We don’t see anything new body-language wise or high emotional, dramatic scenes. Nithiin sails through the proceedings doing a toned-down version of his usual. It doesn’t affect the narrative anyway. But, at the same time, nothing is there to say that makes him stand out.
Direction by Chandra Sekhar Yeleti?
Chandra Sekhar Yeleti is a fine talented director in Telugu cinema. Since his debut in 2003, he has made very few films but has made sure each one comes with a unique premise and theme. Check is the latest addition to his list.
The story of Check is simple. Although nothing is similar, in the spirit, it reminds one of the director’s earlier films, Okkadunnadu. Back then, that was a commercial attempt from the director, and now we have Check.
The similarities, however, end there and Check has its own journey featuring Aditya, the protagonist.
For a large part of the first act, Check fails to engage or provide a propulsive narrative. It wouldn’t have been a problem, but considering the attempt here, it is mandatory to have that energetic tone. One is bored very soon with the various details and characters of the setup. The reason is the weak conflict.
At no time do we feel there is a threat to Aditya? This is the biggest drawback of the movie. It is also the reason why the pre-interval and interval generate some interest. Only at that point, one gets a tangible threat to the lead character. It makes one wonder what happens next, briefly, and that’s why it helps the proceedings.
It is post-interval that we get to the actual plot where the ‘chess’ and ‘conflict’ of the hero are correctly merged. The introduction of Sampath into the narrative further added bite to the story, albeit intermittently.
The problem with the second half of the movie is the Chess sequences itself. They lack drama. Those who understand the game could (or might) get what’s happening, but for others, it is all a mumbo-jumbo. It shouldn’t be necessarily that way. Things can be executed so that people who have no idea too could watch them interestingly. The director fails in creating that gripping quality.
The one-way raise of the hero to a ‘Master’ and then later challenge to become a ‘Grand Master’ feel way too cinematic and rushed.
The ending is decent after all that has happened. But, it also makes one think if everything else got re-engineered backwards with the end in mind. Some points make it look that way in an obvious sense.
The lack of passage of time in the Jail is another grouse. The excitement of the happening at the end is missing because we never get a sense of time or the feel. Everything looks and gives the perception of sameness from the start to the end. It doesn’t provide the required high at the end as a result and makes the whole thing look flat.
Overall, Check has a weak plot, but there are engaging moments here and there. Its main issue is flat and dull execution with no sense of pain or excitement, thereby lacking gripping and intense narrative. Give it a try if you want to see something out of the routine.
Rakul Preet Singh, Priya Prakash Varier and Others?
Rakul Preet Singh and Priya Prakash Varrier are the two female leads. Rakul Preet Singh is seen in a lawyer’s role devoid of her usual clichés for a change. But, apart from that ‘difference’ in character, there is nothing memorable in part. Priya Prakash Varrier, on the other hand, has a regular role, but it comes and ends so abruptly that it feels forgettable.
Few known faces like Murali Sharma, Sampath, Harsha Vardhan etc., play supporting parts. Only Sampath manages to add some teeth to the narrative by bringing some intensity to his role.
Music and Other Departments?
Kalyani Mallik provides the music. There is only one song in the movie, which is decent. It is used in the most boring segment of the film that it might practically go unnoticed. The background score is better, comparatively. The cinematography is decent, but the editing could have been better, especially in the game sequences. The writing has a few moments which work and generate intrigue, but overall they don’t have the same effect.
Highlights?
Setting
Few Gripping Parts
Pre-Interval
Chess backdrop
Drawbacks?
Flat And Dull Narrative
No Excitement
Lack of Intensity in Chess games
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Reservations
Check Telugu Movie Review by Siddartha
– Aditya wins the Grand Master title!! After few suspense elements revealed ‘Check’ comes to an end!! Visit back for our detailed review and rating.
– Aditya’s winning spree continues, he now reaches the Commonwealth Chess Championship finals.
– After winning a series of championship games, Aditya becomes Master behind the bars. Now, Aditya is up to a noble cause.
– Check second half started. Aditya gets to play for National Chess championship.
First Half Report—
The first half of Check is alright. The pre-interval elevates the proceedings. The second half is very critical now to maintain the pre-interval tempo, and intrigue in the movie.
– Aditya is still struggling to prove his innocence. A small twist in Check. Interval.
– Aditya is sharing his past to Rakul. The love story introduces Yatra (Priya) in flashback.
– Manasa (Rakul) is forced to take up Aditya’s case. Life in jail and other characters are being established.
– Check show started with a court judgment. Adtitya (Nithiin) gets several years prison and life sentence for helping terrorists. Check story begins in jail.
– Check is about to start. Stay tuned.
Preview: Check
It’s time to see whether a movie made by a classic director like Chandrasekhar Yeleti would work if he had added commercial elements for the salability of the film. We are talking about the director’s Check‘ starring Nithin in the lead.
Nithin, a second league actor chose a different film this time and going by what’s available in the teaser and the trailer of the movie, we just hope that it works for Nithin big time so that second-league heroes like him will get the confidence to experiment with different genres.
The hero mostly did romantic comedies and so, trying a serious film like this is definitely a step forward. Director Chandrasekhar Yeleti is only half-a-dozen movies old, but he earned a certain reputation for making sensible and subtle dramas.
‘Check’ seems to be in the same genre he has been good at, but the makers spent a bit more because they want the film to be commercially successful besides the critical appreciation. Will he pass that test with ‘Check’?
For a film like this, the screenplay and the background music are going to add to the intrigue if the director has hit the right chords with the audiences. Kalyani Malik himself mentioned the importance of the music in the film and it’s going to be worth 50% of the credit if the music clicks.
Rakul Preet Singh will be seen playing a different role, not the glamorous ones that she had become synonymous with. Priya Prakash Varrier, the wink girl is making her Tollywood debut with this film. Will she be able to impress the Telugu audiences?
When audiences are embracing different movies and experimental genres like ‘Check’, it’s time we’ll waste no time to come back with a genuine review of ‘Check’. Stay tuned for ‘Check’ review from the mirchi9 team, folks!
