BOTTOM LINE
Stylish But Silly
OUR RATING
2.25/5
CENSOR
2h 12m, ‘U/A’ Certified.
What Is the Film About?
Arjun (Ashok Galla) is a middle-class guy who wants to become an actor. Along with his friend, he tries to audition for various roles and meet different directors. He has a girlfriend, Subbu (Nidhhi Agerwal), whose father is against Arjun becoming an actor. One day, he accidentally receives a gun as a parcel, which turns his life upside down.
What did Arjun do with the gun? Who is the gun owner, and why was it sent in the first place is the movie’s primary storyline.
Performances
Ashok Galla debuts as a hero with Hero. Looking at the final product, one can’t help but think it’s a project designed specifically to suit his strength. Well, the final result is an impressive introduction.
Barring a few odd angles, Ashok Galla gives Hero his best shot, be it dances or fights. It is a lively part where he is in the thick of things from the start. It is a light-hearted role, and it has more to do with fun and energy than high drama. It is also one of the reasons why the character works. There is still a long way to go, and similar roles might not work all the time. Therefore, a lot will depend on Ashok Galla’s choice for his future in movies.
Analysis
Sriram Adittya of Bhale Manchi Roju, Shamantakamani, and Devadas fame directs Hero. His latest also belongs to the same category of movies. It is a crime comedy flick involving the mafia, goons with a middle-class sensibility or background.
The first half of Hero is all fun that involves spoofs, subtle digs and typical humour seen with the background. As there is not much story, the narrative focuses on the gags. Some work, but a sense of repetition sets in after a point. It is here the Mumbai Don backdrop adds some intrigue.
The stylish and slick making, the backdrop of films and the mafia, holds the interest. The pre-interval and interval bang raises the curiosity level in the second half.
The second half’s opening starts with the same momentum, but as soon as the real mystery behind the gun is revealed, things start to fizzle out. It is silly. It wouldn’t have been an issue usually, but the way the movie’s tone and screenplay are built up to that point, the revelation has a reverse effect.
The narrative has to be much wackier for such a twist to work or that level of lo silliness. What we get is surface-level only with bits and pieces showing that promise.
The good thing, though, is that post the revelation of mystery behind the gun and the flashback, a silly tone is maintained with spoofs and comedy all the way. One just gives in to the narrative, which means it could work to a few. However, there is no doubt that it is a missed opportunity to deliver a whacky entertainer. It has been a long time since we saw that kind of movie in Telugu.
Overall, Hero has everything going for it but falters in the critical department of the story. Still, if one wants to watch a silly, brainless entertainer, one can give Hero a shot. But remember to have expectations in check.
Others?
Nidhhi Agerwal looks glamorous and is adequate in songs, but her role is merely functional in the narrative. It only acts as a ling to two main characters that drive the plot.
Jagapathi Babu is fine playing his usual self. Ravi Kishan, seen after a gap, overacts. His get up, and looks are well designed, though. Sathya is crucial to the fun in the first half. He delivers the required, but still, there is a lingering feeling that he has been underutilized. The second half, especially, needed more from him. Naresh is reliable, as always. Sukanya is decent in a small role. Vennela Kishore and Brahmaji show some sparks in a few places, but that’s it.
Music and Other Departments?
The music by Ghibran is alright. A couple of songs do sound melodious and are shot well. The background score is where the musician impact can be felt. The cinematography is a major asset to the movie. Sameer Reddy and Richard Prasad have done a fabulous job giving the film a slick and trendy feel. The editing is fine and adds to the slickness mentioned previously. The writing is decent, but it should have been much better for what the director intended.
Highlights?
Slick Making (Production Values)
Entertainment, In Parts
Fun Vibe Throughout
Drawbacks?
Silly Premise
Not Engaging Narrative
Half-baked Romantic Track
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Huge Reservations
Hero Telugu Movie Review by Siddartha Toleti
Final Report:
The second half of Hero continues to be slick and stylish but turns way too silly plot-wise and aims only at laughs. Some of it works, but overall it is trashy fun that’s not for everyone.
Newcomer Ashok Galla looks confident and does well playing a lively character.
— Brahmaji has got an episode to mock “ first in India “ “ Pan India Star “ — the current buzzing topics of Tollywood.
— The flashback episode which is intended for fun is a bit too long.
— The first fight in the second half is slick and stylish.
— Hero second half started. Jagapathi Babu is in danger, Hero Arjun is connected to it.
First Half Report:
Hero has a simple line, but the director creates intrigue with sleek and stylish execution mixed with entertainment. Ashok Galla, for a debutant, looks well prepared and lively onscreen.
The real story begins at the interval point, and a lot depends on the second half to take it further and emerge a winner.
— Arjun ( Ashok Galla ) and his friend Satya run into an unexpected trouble.
— Rap song and dance choreography is alright.
— Arjun ( Ashok Galla ) and Subbu (Nidhhi Agerwal ) is in love. Arjun is giving auditions for hero chances. Director Anil Ravipudi appears in a cameo.
— A cool and stylish intro for debutant Ashok Galla using Legendary Krishna’s first cowboy film in Telugu Mosagallu Mosagudu and Mahesh Babu’s millennium cowboy film Takkari Donga references. Intro worked out very well.
— Hero show started with special thank you cards for Mahesh Babu, Ram Charan and Rana Daggubati.
Hero Telugu (2022) Review, U.S. Premiere updates starting soon. Stay tuned.
Hero, introducing Ashok Galla as a hero, is set to release grandly on January 15th as a Sankranthi treat. Sriram Adittya of Bhale Manchi Roju, Shamantakamani and Devadas fame directs the movie.
Ashok Galla is the latest entrant from Ghattamaneni family. Not only the hero, but the movie also introduces Padmavati Galla as a producer. They have splurged money on the production to make it look grand, which shows in the visuals.
A festival release is ideal for films starring young heroes, especially when it comes with a unique concept. In the past, a movie like Express Raja surprised the trade despite releasing amidst heavy competition. Hero would be hoping to repeat the same feat.
Hero has the advantage of a new subject, unlike the other Sankranthi films. When a new content clicks, it goes a big way at the box office; however, it tanks when it doesn’t. It is a double-edged sword, as it can go either way. Hero will be hoping it’s the former.
A good cast and crew are working for Hero. For starters, Nidhhi Agerwal is the heroine. She has a good following among the youth. Apart from her, Jagapathi Babu, Naresh, Brahmaji, and Vennela Kishore play critical roles. Top technicians like Ghibran and Sameer Reddy are also part of the crew.
Good word of mouth is all that is required for Hero. If it gets that, it would have the mandate of the youth for the festival period.
As always, Mirchi9 will bring you the ‘First-on-Net’ review, genuinely and honestly. Watch this space for Hero Telugu 2021 movie review.
