BOTTOM LINE
Lack of Punch.
RUNNING TIME
145 Minutes
OUR RATING
What is “Palnadu” about?
Palnadu is a simple revenge saga filled with lots of emotion. Here emotion is keyword as director takes his own sweet time to build that emotion and finally unleashes action that shows the effect of such pent up emotion.
How is Vishal Reddy?
Vishal has taken a subdued persona this time far cry from the superhero stuff the actor has done in the past. He plays a timid, boy next door who tries to impress a girl. He can’t fight his own fights and is dependent on his friend to do the same. He tries his best and connects in parts. No matter how much he tries to be understated his body language is such that it looks unbelievable when he acts timid.
How is Susindhran’s direction?
Suseendran has once again returned to his Na Peru Shiva style after attempting an over the top masala venture in the form of Veedinthe. He keeps the scenes realistic and action grounded without going over the top and this style works here as well. However unlike that film here the basic story doesn’t offer anything fresh and that is where the film looses. Also the entire second half moves with a single point agenda without any real twists making the whole process boring.
What about Lakshmi Menon and others ?
Lakshmi Menon is apt for the role but is not a heroine material and it shows. Also her character is completely absent in the second half and only appears for a song which lessens any little impact the character had in the first half. Bharati Raja has got a very good role of father in the film and it’s his character that is the emotional base of the film. He plays his part with utmost sincerity and makes one feel for the character and that’s a job well done. Sarat Lohitashwa as Kattam Ravi is perfect for the role, but it doesn’t get an end that is expected of it . Vikranth in a brief appearance is alright.
How is Music, Songs and Dances and other departments?
Music by D Imman is very nice, however the dubbing ruins it completely. Both lip syncing as well and lyrics are poor. Background is competent and elevates the mood of action at the right moment. Editing could have been sharper as the film huffs and puffs along especially in the second half. Cinematography is superb and captures the local flavor very well.
Highlights?
1.Subtle humor
2.Emotion in action
Drawbacks?
1.Predictable story
2.Snail paced screenplay
What about its box office prospects?
At the box office it will find it hard to sustain in the coming days. While a number of releases is one reason, the film itself lacks that specialty in it to grow with the audience courtesy word of mouth.
Did I enjoy it?
No.
Would I recommend it?
No.
Reviewed by Siddhartha
