King Nagarjuna is all set to captivate movie enthusiasts this Sankranti with his latest offering, Naa Saami Ranga. Directed by the debutant director Vijay Binni, a renowned choreographer making his mark in the directorial realm, the film promises a delightful blend of entertainment and festive fervor. Stepping into the shoes of a director for the first time, Vijay Binni has infused the movie with a unique creative vision that is eagerly awaited by fans.
Naa Saami Ranga unfolds against the backdrop of a vibrant rural setting, echoing the celebratory spirit of the festival. Nagarjuna, known for creating Sankranti magic with his previous films, is poised to recreate the same enchantment in this cinematic venture. His dedication to infusing festive vibes into the narrative is evident, and anticipation is high for another memorable addition to Nagarjuna's Sankranti legacy.
As we await the unveiling of Naa Saami Ranga, Nagarjuna invites movie lovers to join him on this Sankranti journey. The film promises not just a cinematic experience but a celebration of culture, tradition, and the joy of storytelling. Let's delve into what Nagarjuna has in store for us in Naa Saami Ranga and revel in the magic of Sankranti at the movies.
Naa Saami Ranga centers around Kishtayya (Nagarjuna), a steadfast individual who fearlessly protects his loved ones, navigating through numerous obstacles along the way. Kishtyya's life takes a turn when he rescues the life of Varadarajulu (Nassar), subsequently becoming his most trusted confidant. Kishtayya and Anji (Allari Naresh) share a brotherly bond, but things change when Bhaskar aka Baski (Raj Tharun) enters their lives. The film delves into the complexities of their relationships and the consequences that arise.
Interwoven within this narrative are the lives of Varalu aka Varalakshmi (Akshita Ranganath), Manga (Mrinaa Menon), Kumari (Rukshar Dhillon), Varadarajulu's son Das (Shabeer Kallarakkal), and Veerabhadrudu (Madhusudhan Rao). These characters play pivotal roles in shaping the story's progression, adding layers of intrigue and emotion. As the film unfolds, the audience is taken on a journey of love, loyalty, sacrifice, and the strength of familial bonds.
Choreographer Vijay Binni made his directorial debut with this film, a remake of the Malayalam film Porinju Mariam Jose. While the story is simple, Binni's screenplay keeps it engaging. He skillfully starts the narrative by showcasing the bond and jealousy among young children in the 1960s before transitioning to the late 1980s.
The cast and crew deliver commendable performances under Binni's direction. He strikes a commendable balance between entertainment, romance, and action, providing ample enjoyment for the viewers. The songs are well-placed situationally, and Binni, being the choreographer himself, ensures that they are beautifully choreographed.
The first half ends on a decent note, and after the fun and entertainment, the second half takes a more serious tone with an increased focus on action elements. The stunts are meticulously designed to elevate Nagarjuna's heroism. Even though the story and scenes are predictable, Binni's strong screenplay leaves a lasting impact on the audience.
Nagarjuna delivered a remarkable performance in the role of Kishtayya. He effortlessly portrayed the character's mass mannerisms as a middle-aged man clad in a lungi while also exuding romantic vibes. Nagarjuna's performance was particularly impressive in the high-octane action sequences, reminiscent of his earlier hit films. His dialogue delivery, body language, and overall presence were highly entertaining, captivating fans, masses, and moviegoers alike.
Ashika Ranganath complemented Nagarjuna well as the village girl, donning traditional outfits with grace. She looked radiant on screen and shone in the songs. The scenes between Askhika and Nagarjuna had a palpable chemistry that added to the film's charm.
Allari Naresh was a scene-stealer with his exceptional performance. He elevated the already significant role to a new level with his acting prowess. Naresh not only excelled in comedy scenes but also delivered impactful mass dialogues and emotional moments. He also showcased his action skills in several well- choreographed sequences. Clad in a lungi, he was a delight to watch, bringing a distinct flavor to the film.
While Raj Tharun had limited screen time, he made the most of his role, sporting a different look and delivering a commendable performance. Mrinaa Menon and Rukshar Dhillion provided able support in their respective roles as Naresh's wife and Raj Tharun's lover.
Veterans like Nassar and Rao Ramesh made their presence felt with their nuanced performances. Nassar exuded authority and gravitas, while Rao Ramesh impressed with his mannerisms. Shabeer Kallarakkal, as the son of Nassar, effectively portrayed the character's wicked nature. The supporting cast members also performed competently, contributing to the overall success of the film.
Keeravani's captivating soundtrack perfectly complements the film's narrative, offering a blend of melodious romantic tracks and energetic mass beats that amplify the festive atmosphere on screen. His background music elevates key scenes, enhancing their emotional impact. The songs are meticulously choreographed to leave a lasting impression on viewers. Dasari Sivendra's cinematography beautifully captures the film's vibrant locations, showcasing the charm of the village setting and depicting the elements of the Sankranti festival in a captivating manner. Chota K Prasad's editing is generally proficient, although a few instances of unnecessary scene extension could have been avoided. The dialogues are well-written by Prasanna Kumar Bezawada and align seamlessly with the story, providing a balance of mass appeal and narrative coherence. The production values are commendable, contributing to the overall cinematic experience.
Overall, Naa Saami Ranga is a conventional '80s story presented as a festive treat. Vijay Binni successfully portrays Nagarjuna as a vibrant character balancing both class and mass elements, while Allari Naresh serves as a capable supporting actor. The screenplay and direction are adequate, providing enough heroic moments to engage the audience during the festive season. However, with a little more refinement in the script, the film could have had a more substantial impact. Taking all these factors into account, Cinejosh rates Naa Saami Ranga 2.75 out of 5.