BOTTOM LINE
Age Old Revenge Saga
OUR RATING
2.5/5
CENSOR
‘U/A’ Certified, 2 hrs 26 mins.
What is the film about?
Devika’s (Sridevi) stepdaughter is raped by a gang and left for dead. How Devika takes revenge against the criminals is what the film is all about?
How is Sridevi’s performance?
The acting prowess of legendary actress Sridevi needn’t be highlighted again. She is an excellent performer, and once again she showcases her wide range of emotions in Mom, effortlessly. The helplessness of an aged woman is wonderfully portrayed, but her shrill voice robs off some of the shine.
Direction By Ravi Udyawar?
Ravi Udyawar takes a subject that is beaten to death and tries to present it in a beaten to death format. He executes that with aplomb but the problem is the subject itself that lacks freshness.
The first half of the movie is the set up for the revenge in the second half. Things moved slowly and reached a predictable point at intermission. One is bored by that point as there is no real movement regarding the story. The painful moments are stretched far more than necessary. It makes the narration less gripping for what is already a predictable fare.
The second half is slightly better as there is an interesting revenge angle going on. There is a momentary engagement due to the performances of few actors, but that’s about it. The climax too doesn’t offer anything new. Overall the movie is a strictly average fare due to the solid performances.
Sajal Ali and others?
The film is filled with good performers, but none of them have properly etched characters or very little to do in the main scheme of things. Sajal Ali is brilliant as the girl who suffers. Akshaye Khanna as a strict cop is a significant presence. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is the lone artist who shines within that limitation as he brings something more to the table. Abhimanyu Singh gets wasted.
Music and other departments?
AR Rahman’s songs are used as per the demands of the script. The background score is perfect in setting up the mood. The cinematography is excellent. Editing is alright. Dialogues could have been better for Telugu dubbing.
Highlights?
Sridevi
Nawazzuddin Siddiqui
Drawbacks?
Routine Revenge Saga
Very Slow Narration
Feels Lengthy
Alternative Take
There was a film that came earlier in the year, Kaabil (Balam inTelugu), that’s an alternative.
Did I enjoy it?
Few parts
Will you recommend it?
With huge reservations.
MOM Review by Siddartha
