Every star goes through this: The
itch to take on a role that is larger than life. Tollywood is replete with
examples of the stars who bank on scripts that believe in excesses. They
strongly contribute to the idea that nothing succeeds like excess. Power Star
Pavan Kalyan may be different elsewhere but when it comes to scripting films
around the persona, he is just the same.
The latest outing scripted by him and a film on which he confessedly worked for
over two years shows, if anything, in the length of the film which could have
been a recommendable film if cut to half. We have the protagonist who is an
orphan who names himself after the famed film of our lore Gabbar (Pavan) who is
brought up by Tanikella Bharani. Summoned by a defeated by the representative
of the feudal lord who has seen good days Raja Hari Narayan (Mukesh Rishi) he
comes to Ratanpur a town you could confuse with N. Korea and the local Kim
Jong–un being Bhairav Singh (Sharad Kelkar).
The fight is thus scripted between Bhairav Singh on the wrong side of law and
Gabbar Singh seemingly on the right side of law. We have co orphan Sambha (Ali)
who has grown with Gabbar being his shadow throughout and in the palace we have
Madhuvanti (Uravashi) the Governess and the Minister in waiting Shekar Singh
(Brahmanandam). Also joining the cast is the half-sister of the kingdom Gita
Rani (Tisca Chopra) who is obviously eyeing the grand palace. There is the
local corrupt police officer who is the villain’s payroll Raja Manikyam
(Brahmaji). The heiress to all the wealth is Arshi (Kajal Agarwal). YOU don’t
have to be a film buff to know that Princesses falls in love with the poorly
paid but extremely talented policeman and the bone of contention between the
law breaking police man Gabbar and the law defying local dictator Bhairav.
The script now moves from one clichéd scene to another for romance, for love,
for thrills, for comedy and for conflict with the villain and for the feigned
high voltage drama etc.
What should a film of such flimsy pretensions offer? Nothing, yet plenty. It
all depends where you see this all from. On the one hand you have frenzied fans
defying the 40 plus weather to ensure their date with the star. On the other
you have a hollow script that is brazen about lack of sensitivity or
sensibility. On the one hand you have guys whistling their lungs off and on the
other you have the connoisseur cringing. Every once in a while when you make up
your mind to steal a nap the music goes loud to indicate that the lead pair are
in a mood for a romantic number with their ward robe in display. When you are getting
used to the said rhythm and revert to the idea of a nap you have gun shots and
blood splash. One thing however, all the violence notwithstanding, is that it
does not generate a sense of nausea since it is so exaggerated. The inbuilt
grotesque saves the day. As does Pavan Kalyan. Obviously with a script that is
tailor made for him with the pitfalls and made for his size!! Everything here
is designer wear for the Power Star and he glides through the role with his
pulse steadily addressing his fans and none else. Kajal Agarwal is glamour
quotient and understands what she is required to deliver. Sharad Kelkar musters
just a tad of negativity to carry on with the script. The law officer of Rocky
Handsome is out there showcasing his skill sets by being on the wrong side of
the law. The rest have nothing much to do. Special mention must be made of how
Brahmanandam looks faded and totally out of sync.
The film is strongly recommended for PK fans and for them alone.
Rating: 2.5
– clichéd
+ PK
L. Ravichander.