BOTTOM LINE
it’s a fun ride.
RUNNING TIME
130 minutes approx.
OUR RATING
What is “Venkatadri-Express” about?
Sandeep (Sandeep Kishan) has to reach Tirupathi at any cost to escape the wrath of his father. Prarthana (Rakul Preeth) plans a Tirupathi trip to offer her first salary to god. How these two different characters first miss the train and then reach Tirupathi is what the film is all about.
How is Sandeep Kishan?
Sandeep Kishan is completely one dimensional with same dialogue delivery throughout that fails to show a difference between a comedy and serious scene. The climax because of this fault lacks any emotional punch. The best that can be said about him is that he serves the purpose of the narration without being an outright deterrent. It worked here but that may not be the case all the time, so he has to be careful.
How is Merlapaaka Gandhi’s direction?
It’s a confident debut by M Gandhi. He weaves the screenplay with ample comedy to cover the wafer thin plotline. The pace never slackens especially in the first half. However like many directors, debutants or otherwise, he loses grip in the second half. He makes up for this with a neatly staged climax but the performance of the lead actor lets him down there.
What about Rakul Preeth, Taghubothu Ramesh,and others ?
Rakul Preet Singh looks fine as per the character and courtesy the dialogues written for her character it is fun to watch too. Tagubotu Ramesh for the part he is present in is a scream, as is Nellore Giri of Prrema Katha Chithram fame. Brahmaji, Nagineedu and the rest of the character actors do their routine stuff. MS Narayana has small part and is alright.
How is Music, Songs and Dances and other departments?
The film for the sake of tighter narration sacrifices songs which is a welcome change. Especially looking at how the song in second half literally brings the ‘express’ to a halt, it’s a decision well made. Background music is adequate. Cinematography by Chota K Naidu is superb over all. VFX are poor, especially the backgrounds in certain scenes. Editing is good.
Highlights?
Comedy.
First half.
Lack of Songs.
Drawbacks?
Parts of second half till pre climax.
Feeling of repetitiveness after a point.
What about its box office prospects?
With no real big movies in the market currently or expected to arrive shortly, Venkatadri Express has time to pick up through word of mouth. But a long run is ruled out because of the window gap to sustain is short one of just about three weeks. Irrespective of its run it will help in better opening of the actor’s next film along with the director’s.
Did I enjoy it?
Yes.
Will you recommend it?
Yes, but only once.
Reviewed by Siddhartha
