Undoubtedly, Maharshi is one of the highly anticipated films of the year. It’s not just because the film marks milestone 25th for super star Mahesh Babu but the film carried good buzz and theatrical trailer got overwhelming response. Let’s see whether Rishi’s journey is a smooth ride or we find any bumps…
Rishi (Mahesh Babu), son of Satyanarayana (Prakash Raj) is frustrated with his father’s failure and struggled life decides to achieve big. He becomes close to college mates Ravi (Allari Naresh) and Pooja (Pooja Hegde) whom he leaves post completion of academics for his own good. Rishi becomes filthy rich and CEO of a leading corporate company in USA after years of his hard work. But, when he knows about the bitter truth of Ravi’s sacrifice, Rishi decides to come back India where he fights against corporate system for the welfare of farmers. Watch the film to experience the journey of Rishi from a college guy to a successful businessman to a farmer.
Failure is stepping stone for success is what we heard on numerous occasions. But, Rishi has different opinion on success. One need not think about failure which itself pulls us back from touching the goal is one side of Rishi. Other side is the real and emotional journey lending support for farmers. Director Vamshi Paidipally, besides touching so many issues has narrated younger generations the importance of farming. “Raithe Raju... Thine Vaallu Peruguthunnaru Kaanee Pandinche Vaalu Thagguthunnaru,” questions Maharshi.
Vamshi Paidipally has come up with an inspirational film which has many emotional moments, especially in second half wherein the first half showed friendship, bonding of three close friends which reminds us of 3 Idiots. Dialogues penned by Hari are thought-provoking while screenplay is bit tedious, owing to lengthy runtime. Visuals looked grand and vivid because of KU Mohanan’s top-class cinematography. Only couple of songs pleased wherein DSP showed his experience in BGM. Editor Praveen KL should have chopped many scenes to cut down the runtime below 2 and half an hour. Production values from Dil Raju, Aswini Dutt and PVP are top-notch.
Onto artists, Mahesh Babu steals the show with stellar performances. We could see the variation in his character at different stages of life. He looked young and charming during college days and appeared class when he is leading the company as CEO. And he could convince us as a farmer. Allari Naresh got a crucial, meaty role and he made full use of it. He impresses with innocent acts and is the key pawn in driving the story. In fact, Naresh gave additional weightage to Rishi’s character. Pooja Hegde didn’t get much to perform though she attracts with glamour quotient. Prakash Raj’s character is extension of SVSC. Jayasudha is regular as Rishi’s mother. Jagapathi Babu is usual in a negative role. Sai Kumar and Rajeev Kanakala are good. Meenakshi Dixit plays her part neatly. Vennela Kishore, Srinivas Reddy, Rao Ramesh are value addition. Others are okay.
Mahesh Babu
Storyline
Production Values
Allari Naresh Character
Second Half
Lengthy
Blend Of BAN, Srimanthudu
Music
First Half
Predictable In Narration
Larger than life stories and scripts automatically demand a hero with an image above the regular stardom levels. Likewise, Mahesh Babu’s mammoth stardom aptly fits into Rishi’s characterization and Mahesh subtly handled the entire journey with élan. Hari’s story and Vamshi Paidipally’s multi layered scripting voyages through various phases, though one feels tedious and touching at times. Being the milestone 25th film, Mahesh Babu is worth to win all the appreciations for picking a line with social enlightenment.
Problem is, Mahesh has been consistently doing this for Srimanthudu and Bharat Ane Nenu. So, Maharshi gives a déjà vu feeling of watching these two films in repetitive mode. From college story to rise as multi billionaire then back to roots in search of real happiness, the journey is filled with too many lectures, sensible emotions and worth a few connecting elements.
Maharshi starts off in the USA where Mahesh takes over as CEO of origin. After a regular hero worship song, we jump into the flashback. His friends Pooja Hegde, Allari Naresh and foe Kamal Kamaraju, Mukesh Rishi is a regular fare with 3 Idiots flavor. Little misunderstandings mingled with couple of fights causing hindrances for Mahesh to achieve his goal make way for interval. In fact, Mahesh’s handsome looks keep us hooked while content wise, we have little to close the first half. In between, Jayasudha and Prakash Raj added the sentimental dose.
Second half is where Maharshi jumps onto a different track. Mahesh having known Allari Naresh’s sacrifice is the reason behind his success moves to Ramavaram. Too many cooks spoil the broth. Vamshi though unnecessarily touched corporate and political sub plots to run the 2nd half, it is the issue of farmers took driver’s seat. Posani, Jagapathi Babu, Rajeev Kanakala have fit in right for respective roles though villainy went unregistered. Despite these flaws, honesty in Allari Naresh and Mahesh Babu’s characterizations did the trick for pre climax, climax.
All in all, Maharshi is a film with genuine content in second half and nothing much in first half. Vamshi provided a long canvas for Mahesh to excel the actor in himself. Apparently, one might see Maharshi as a routine fare like Bharat Ane Nenu or Srimanthudu yet it has got a strong core to make a safe summer bet. Maharshi will open to earth shattering collections both in domestic and overseas market, thanks to Mahesh Babu’s magical star power. Long run depends on competitive releases scheduled for next couple of weeks. CJ goes with 3 stars.