What’s Behind
People got super excited when Mega Star Chiranjeevi’s nephew Panja Vaishnav Tej teamed with creative director Krish for a project. Vaisshnav Tej is riding on the sensation his debut film Uppena created and Krish is known for his creative films. Expectations increased when they decided to film the popular novel Konda Polam penned by Sannapureddi Vankata Rami Reddy. The film’s promotions increased curiosity levels and the film hit the screens today. Let us see what impression Konda Polam made on movie lovers.
Story Review
Coming from a family of shepherds, Kataru Ravindra Yadav (Panja Vaisshnav Tej), despite completing B.Tech fails to clear interviews due to various shortcomings. His grandfather Budappa (Kota Srinivasa Rao), tell him that if he goes to Konda Polam and get to know the intricacies in the forest while leading the sheep, he will achieve success. Despite his family members reservations, Ravindra joins his father Gorappa(Sai Chand) and others. But he looks completely lost even as a shepherd unable to control the sheep. To find out whether Ravindra Yadav overcame his fears and what connection Obulamma (Rakul Preet Singh) has, enjoy the twists and turns of Konda Polam on silver screen.
Artists, Technicians Review
Krish tried to be different and used his creativity in elevating Vaisshnav Tej to another level with Konda Polam. He came with a story based on Nallamala forest backdrop and discussed various contemporary issues sandalwood smuggling, water shortage in remote villages, deforestation and how shepherds work hard to meet their both ends apart from feeding the sheep.
However second half slowed the pace of the film and screenplay and direction went for a toss. Director Krish could have worked out more on highlighting the expressions and emotions of various characters. He failed to turn his screenplay even more interesting though his attempt is good.
Vaisshnav Tej once again attracted with his performance. He performed well in a natural manner in the film as a youngster who comes from a shepherd family and who dreams of achieving big in life but suffers from own complexities and shortcomings. He delivered dialogues in Rayalaseema slang with ease. His mannerisms, body language, dialogue delivery, expressions and emotions are good. However he came with a single expression most of the time. He should have tried to show more variations.
Rakul Preet Singh attracted in her role of as a village girl Obulamma. She performed in a natural and realistic manner. Infact she lived in her role as Obulamma. Sai Chand as the father of Vaisshnav Tej is natural as a shepherd. He showcased his fears and troubles as a shepherd and worries about his son’s future. Kota Srinivasa Rao did a small but impactful role and his dialogues are powerful. Other actors did full justice to their roles.
Keeravani’s songs are good and are beautifully shot. BGM is good but at times turned out to be loud. Cinematography of Ganasekhar is good and both BGM and Cinematography elevated the scenes. VFX is just average and could have been better. Fights with the thieves and the tiger are well shot. Editing of Sharavan Katikaneni could have been better as there are many drags which slowed the pace of the film. Production values are good.
Advantages
Vaisshnav Tej, Rakul Preet Singh
BGM,Music
Cinematography
Disadvantages
Slow Pace
Editing
VFX
Screenplay
Missing Emotions
Rating Analysis
Director Krish came with a bold attempt to turn Konda Polam novel with Vaisshnav Tej. Both should be complimented for their guts. Konda Polam starts in an interesting manner but despite having all ingredients in the first half, one gets a feeling that something is missing. Blossoming romance between Ravi and Obulamma is cut short in the middle. Obulamma’s character created by Krish is the highlight in the film. Second half carries on and the viewers fail to get connected to the characters with routine elements creeping in and the misplacement of songs. Screenplay missed the cohesion and the narration turned predictable. Considering all these aspects, CJ goes with a 2.5 rating for Konda Polam.