Adhinayakudu Movie Review

Behind the Movie Adhinayakudu: Nandamuri Balakrishna is strongest hero in masses. All his films attract huge attention and ‘AN’ releasing today crossing severe difficulties is not different. Music by Kalyani Malik scored good marks while presence of Saloni and Lakshmi Rai is big asset. Let us see, how director Paruchuri Murali projected NBK in three roles?

In the Movie Adhinayakudu: Movie begins with opening shot where in Harish Chandra Prasad (Balakrishna) is hit by bullet and is killed. Fast forward by 15 years, Babi (Balakrishna) comes in as a sharp shooter cum contract killer who can’t bear the injustice. He is given the duty to kill Rama Krishna Prasad (Balakrishna), a man of people ruling the 11 constituencies in Rayalaseema. Before leaving to Rayalaseema on the task, Babi knows that Rama Krishna Prasad is none other than his father and he is separated from family in childhood. In the train Babi meets his Maradalu Deepthi (Saloni). Duty of Babi now is to save his father and rest of the family (Jayasudha, Sukanya, Raghu and Lakshmi Rai) from political rivals, goons and corrupt police officer (Kota Srinivas Rao, Pradeep Rawat and Murali Sharma). In the process, powerful flashback of Harish Chandra Prasad is revealed to open the faction drama in his family because he dedicated his life for uplifting the lives of Rayalaseema people by eradicating faction. How Babi and Rama Krishna Prasad took forward the task of their ‘Adhinayakudu’ Harish Chandra Prasad forms the rest of story.

Values of the Movie Adhinayakudu: This is a one man show from Balakrishna and he is at tremendous ease when the character given has some strength in it. As Babi, he tried hard to look modern playing naughty with Lakshmi Rai. Second character of Rama Krishna Prasad which is pivotal for total movie was dealt right. Lastly, the all powerful Harish Chandra Prasad role reminds us of NTR. As usual, Balayya has thrown too many punch dialogues entertaining his Fans. Lakshmi Rai oozed a lot of oomph and well matched the chemistry with NBK. Of course, she was restricted primarily to songs and glam show. Jayasudha, Sukanya were okay in brief characters. Pradeep Rawat and Kota were regular as antagonists while a talented Murali Sharma was wasted. Comedy by Brahmi was logical and had a good take off but became monotonous as story proceeded on. Venu Madhav, Aditya Menon, Ravi Prakash and the guest role of Saloni were just okay.

Technical wise, Paruchuri Murali has adopted a 1980 and 90’s kind of scripting where utmost importance was given to basic story line which was filled with enormous family drama. Narration lacked in conviction. Direction by Paruchuri Murali deserved applause only for elevation of heroism and some part of family drama in second half. Dialogues went overboard several times. Cinematography of Surender Reddy was absolutely weak and Kotagiri’s editing should have been better in first half. Kalyani Malik offered good n vibrating background score compared to music for songs. Production values of Sree Keerthi Combines were impoverished.                     

Out of the Movie Adhinayakudu: More than anything else, this movie elevated the political ambitions of Balakrishna. Story, Screenplay and Direction are completely outdated. Definitely, this sort of emotional and political conflict can be exceptionally handled. Paruchuri Murali could not use the full potential of Balayya Babu in right direction exhausting the patience of audience. His confusion was clearly visible in middle portions. One area where NBK Fans would start cursing the director is the selection of costumes for Babi and Rama Krishna Prasad. Their appearances showcased the bankruptcy of producer. However, film lacks in lavishness. 

First half of the movie is meant for entertainment and fixing the actual plot. Second half basically stands for the characterization of Harish Chandra Prasad, which could have been dealt further better. Episodes weaved around this character looked pale inclusive of London scene where Balayya acts as Foreign Affairs Minister. Overall, this is a below average treat for general audience and average for Nandamuri Fans. Commercially, the fate of ‘Adhinayakudu’ depends only upon masses in B & C centers. Overall, this could be hardly a one time watcher. 

Cinejosh Verdict of the Movie Adhinayakudu: Poor Attempt with a Powerful Concept.

                                                                                                 Reviewed by Srivaas

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