What's Behind
The coming together of Sai Dharam Tej known for his mass action entertainers and Deva Katta popular for his message-oriented films increased curiosity among one and all. The project is titled in a powerful manner as Republic and the film's promotions created a huge buzz on the film which hit the screens today. Let us see what Sai Dharam Tej and Deva Katta's Republic unraveled for the movie lovers.
Story Review
Abhiram (Sai Dharam Tej) right from his childhood gets punished for standing for the right. Abhiram channelizes his frustration towards studies as his dad Dasarath (Jagapathi Babu), a deputy collector also is hand in glove with the corrupt system. Abhiram enters into an argument with the collector (Subbaraju) who challenges him to enter into the system and see the rot for himself rather than turn preachy and then fly to the US for greener pastures.
Abhiram takes this challenge and has a heated personal interview after clearing civils with the interview panel. Abiram loses hopes in his selection but Union Cabinet Secretary (Jaya Prakash) picks him for a special pilot mission and posts him to his district East Godavari as the collector. However, his appointment as the district collector is opposed by the powerful politician Visakha Vani (Ramya Krishna ) and the ruling party. Why Visakha Vani opposes his posting as a district collector with special powers, why his dad Dasarath turned corrupt, how is Myra Hansen (Aishwarya Rajesh), SP Gopal Rao (Srikanth Iyyengar) connected to these developments, and what's happening in Telleru lake should be found out watching Republic on the silver screen?
Artists, Technicians Review
Deva Katta after Prasthanam, failed to make a powerful impact with his films. He came with a political thriller Republic. He doesn't waste time painting a rosy picture and then taking the viewers into the serious narration. He starts off in a powerful manner highlighting the corrupt political system and how bureaucrats collude with the politicians fearing for their life. He selected a contemporary issue of encroaching lakes (in reality Kolleru) and wove a powerful story over it. Nowhere in the film he tried to force comedy or commercial elements for the heck of it but concentrating on narrating the story sending a powerful message to society.
Deva Katta's story is interesting and there are many similarities in what's happening in the state of Andhra Pradesh. He came with many powerful and hard-hitting dialogues targeting the corrupt political and bureaucratic system and also the judiciary. He called for the need for the bureaucrats and judiciary to function righteously and honestly to reign in the powerful and corrupt political system. He even called spade a spade regarding rape cases and call for the encounter of rapists and criminals. However, at times he has taken many cinematic liberties that are hard to believe. In the end, though he sent a message that there is no hope in the current corrupt political, bureaucratic and judicial system and also how people get carried away for petty instant benefits rather than work for the bright future even when the opportunity is bestowed upon them, he in a way showcased the real happenings in the society.
But for all his good attempts, slow pace in the narration and repetitive scenes, and missing logic undid his good and honest attempt. People who follow current politics love the hard-hitting film.
Sai Dharam Tej who is known for his high octane mass action entertainers surprise all with his powerful and impactful performance. He made his presence felt showcasing his emotions and expressions in a powerful manner connecting chords with the viewers. Though cinematic liberties are taken by the director Deva Katta with regards to his character, Sai Dharam Tej did full justice to his role. He delivered powerful dialogues with ease and with the right tone and tenor. He expressed himself well as a youngster who questions the wrongs in the system and then while directing his men as the government officer and taking the political powers. He performed well during the pre-climax and climax scenes.
Ramya Krishna showed her presence as a female antagonist. She showed the arrogance of a fearless politician who holds a firm grip over the entire system through her body language and mannerisms. The confrontation scenes between Sai Dharam Tej and Ramya Krishna elevated the proceedings. Jagapathi Babu performed well as a helpless government officer who experienced highs and lows in his life. Aishwarya Rajesh got a limited role to perform and she did well accordingly. Rahul Ramakrishna and Srikanth Iyengar performed well making their presence felt. Others performed according to their roles.
Mani Sharma's songs are good but they acted as speed breakers. The song's placement affected the tempo of the film. Background music is good and especially during the climax, it took the proceedings to another level. Sukumar's cinematography captured the scenic locations of East Godavari district in a beautiful manner. He used the camera angles to give a realistic feel to the narration. The editing of Praveen KL could have been better as there are many drags that slowed the pace of the film.
Advantages
Sai Dharam Tej, Ramya Krishna
Dialogues
BGM
Cinematography
Disadvantages
Slow pace
Editing
Lack of commercial elements
Rating Analysis
Deva Katta's Republic is loaded with many realistic elements. He loaded the film with explosive dialogues which many politicians may take offense to. He did a lot of research on the subject and contemporary political developments in the country and especially Kolleru lake and came with a powerful story. The way he promoted the film and paid tributes to the honest officials who are murdered by the corrupt politicians, showcase his earnest attempt. Seriousness narration and docudrama kind of scenes in few instances and Deva Katta taking his sweet time before Sai Dharam Tej becomes a collector and locks horns with Ramya Krishna, affected the film turning it uneven at times. Considering all these points and Deva Katta and Sai Dharam Tej's honest attempt in the right earnest, CJ goes with a 3 rating for Republic.