Tungabahdra Review

Behind the Movie Tungabhadra: Producer Sai Korrapati’s urge for creative and artistic cinema is well known to all. He is coming with Adith Arun of ‘Katha’ fame on a rustic rural backdrop dealt by debutant director Srinivas Krishna Gogineni. Let us see, what is this ‘Tungabhadra’ all about?

In the Movie Tungabhadra: Story begins with introduction to politically motivated group rivalry between Paidithally (Kota Srinivas Rao) and Rama Raju (Sathya Raj) as village of Thatikonda is filled by bloodshed. Rama Raju wins the elections and his Party comes into power to start the wiping of opposition in Thatikonda. In hopeless situation, Paidithally and his main followers (Charandeep) go underground. 

On other side, Rama Raju has a loyal servant and right hand in Seenu (Adith Arun). In some dramatic situations, Seenu is made to follow Rama Raju’s daughter Gouri (Dimple Chopade), there by romance buds between two. However, Seenu does not want to break his trustworthiness towards Rama Raju evades Gouri. Meanwhile, elections are back and this time Paidithally is back in power with vengeance. What happened later on? Did Paidithally execute Rama Raju? What’s the future of Seenu and Gouri’s love?

Values of the Movie Tungabhadra: To initiate the analysis from story, Srinivas Krishna laid hands on a tested feud story with social message at end. Even screenplay was in commonplace with formulaic episodes rolling one after other. Apparently, it is creatively imaginative treatment which breathed a new flavor. As debutant director, Srinivas Krishna showed bundles of intensity to run the whole drama which stood as major plus. He exploited the best possible from actors and technicians. Rahul Srivatsava’s cinematography is the capital lifeline. This is undoubtedly one of the best camera works in recent times with imposing visuals framed in ruggedness. Editing by Srikanth is magnificent at times; however climax was sensibly blunt. Dialogues are also a pretty decent work. Hari Gaura’s music is the high point. Couple of melody songs well composed and BGM is exceptional. These songs are also made lyrically precious. Lastly, production values of Varahi and Sai Korrapati can be rated as meritorious. It needs plenty of guts for Sai to invest more than a decent budget on hero like Adith and a debutant director.

Coming to performances, Adith got rugged looks with grownup beard and an aggressive body language. He controlled the same temper when acting in romantic track. He got a chance to show the real heroism and Adith banked on the opportunity. Beyond all, he was purposefully sidelined from main climax. Dimple Chopade is just fine. She isn’t a stunning beauty and meagerly managed to give a rural belle look. Sathya Raj is the show stealer. His stature as an artist helped to bring authenticity into Rama Raju character. Climax was totally focused at him. Kota is at regular best. Charandeep and his brothers were dangerous looking. Comedy by Josh Naveen, Jabardasth Srinu entertained. Sapthagiri’s spoof as Kapotha Rao on evangelist KA Paul misfired. Among the rest, Parvathi Lokesh, Ravi Varma, Shiva Krishna, Chalapathi Rao etc did their portions.

Out of the Movie Tungabhadra: Whole theme of film lied in conveying a strong yet regular message to groups believing in violence based political feuds. Live in peace and make society a better place. An episode of Parvathi Lokesh and Sathya Raj delivered right essence before Sathya Raj gives a sermon to Ravi Varma in closing times. To carry on whole film towards a preachy climax, Srinivas Krishna Gogineni pitched his characters in full strength. Film’s tempo dropped down in second half, once when Sathya Raj is defeated in elections. A high voltage narrative meanders into a laid back communiqué. 

In contrast to these second half portions, first half is lively presented with moderate dose of situational comedy for time pass entertainment. Ones conflict of Adith’s loyalty for Sathya Raj and love for Dimple Chopade is closed; rest is bringing back political rivalry and thus a climax.  All in all, Tungabhadra isn’t a family entertainer for exceeded bloodshed and violence. This is largely inspired from Gopichand hit film ‘Yagnam’ except a little change in climax. 

Commercially there are no big sale-able names and ingredients to boost the openings. Only mouth talk has to be the savior. How far Telugu audiences are ready to embrace this artistically narrated old tale of political factionism is to be wait and seen.

Cinejosh Verdict of Tungabhadra: Gopichand Yagnam Retold.

                                               Cinejosh Rating: 2.5/5

                                                                                      Reviewed by Srivaas