BOTTOM LINE
An Emotional Sports Drama
OUR RATING
2.75/5
CENSOR
‘U’ Certified, 2 hrs 29 mins
What Is the Film About?
Krishnamurthy (Rajendra Prasad) is a regular farmer in a village. He has an obsession, and that is cricket. The game brings happiness and sadness in his face, which is observed by his daughter Kausalya (Aishwarya Rajesh). What happens when she decides to become a cricketer to bring happiness forever in the life of Krishnamurthy is what the movie is all about?
How Is Aishwarya Rajesh’s Performance?
Kousalya Krishnamurthy, much like its title, is a two-lead project. Both Aishwarya Rajesh and Rajendra Prasad have equally important roles. They carry the entire movie on their shoulders and take the movie home.
Aishwarya Rajesh is given the role of a lifetime playing Kousalya. She gets into the skin of the character and credits must be given to the writer and director team (of the original) for etching in a manner that shows the proper growth. It is not as if Kousalya turns up and get going instantly. These stages are well enacted with the right emotions by Aishwarya Rajesh. These are the finer nuances that make it a memorable performance. For the rest, it is the usual underdog action in a different setup.
Rajendra Prasad, on the other hand, is doing some great supporting parts for the past many years. Krishnamurthy is another worthy addition to the list. He brings a different charm to the role with his interpretation of the character. There are many scenes to highlight his acting prowess, but the scene in the police station and one towards the climax takes the cake.
Direction by Bhimaneni Srinivasa Rao?
The expert remake director Bheemineni Srinivas is back with another remake. His experience for more than two decades is visible in how he brings out the nativity changes keeping the core story intact.
Since the original (Kanaa) itself had everything placed well, all he had to do was find the right casting and remake it without spoiling the feel. The director has mainly succeeded, but there is the usual artificialness that seeps into the director’s work, which is visible here as well. It takes away the realistic ‘look’, but that’s how the director goes about with his remakes.
A major plus for the movie is its screenplay. Take the case of the first half and how it goes about the proceedings. It would have been utterly predictable and tedious if the narrative had been straightforward. However, the way the sequences are planned with a back and forth narrative from the jail makes one intrigued in what is actually a dull and predictable story on offer.
Similarly, the second half is intertwined between the cricket and farmers plight. Both are neatly merged to keep the audience engaged emotionally, and rooting for the success of daughter and father. The link leads to a nice payoff at the end. It is over the top, but the build-up until that point makes it work.
There is enough in the narrative content-wise to engage the audience in both the halves. The performances are neat, and there is an emotional connection by the time it all ends. The artificiality and formulaic parts are the downsides which are expected with the sports movies. The clichés are bound to be present; it is how one can tweak it and present a fresh perspective that makes the film a winner.
Overall, Kousalya Krishnamurthy has enough going for it thematically (women empowerment and farmers issue) and emotionally (fantastic acts by the two leads) that it becomes a decent one time watch. If you have nothing else in mind for the weekend, give this sports drama a try.
Rajendra Prasad and Others?
The movie has several short characters that help propel the narrative forward even though; they don’t have the juice in them like Aishwarya Rajesh and Rajendra Prasad. Vennela Kishore starts the entertainment and continues his style until a point. It is nothing special, but enough to hold attention. Karthik Raju is alright. He could have made a much bigger impression but fails to give the role that little extra. Mahesh and Vishu are alright.
Jhansi and Tamil star Sivakarthikeyan are the two other parts which offer some strength to the main narrative. The former, as a tough loud-mouthed wife is excellent. It is a complete departure from the calm and composed demeanour of another similar character she portrayed in Mallesham. Jhansi has excelled at both the ends. Sivakarthikeya, on the other hand, is an excellent ‘star’ addition to the formulaic part. It elevates the roles which otherwise would have fallen flat even at the hands of a good actor.
Music and Other Departments?
Dhibu Ninan Thomas who has provided music for the original has worked for the remake as well. The background score based on the samples seems to be used as it is. Whatever might be the case, it is effective. The cinematography by I Andrews is colourful. It might have been better to take a more realistic approach to it, though. The editing is alright. The dialogues are adequate to keep the proceedings engaging.
Highlights?
Message
Screenplay
Emotional Moments
Aishwarya Rajesh & Rajendra Prasad
Drawbacks?
Formulaic At Times
Routine Sports Drama
Half-baked Subplots
Alternative Take
Give the Tamil version a try although both are the same with a change in supporting cast.
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Kousalya Krishnamurthy Review by Siddartha
