Jagannatakam Review

Behind the Movie Jagannatakam: Among all the bunch of new movies hitting the screens today, this film has caught eye of many for both its different content and quality promotions. Directed and acted as hero by Pradeep Nandan with Khenisha Chandran as heroine, let us see how far this new experiment clicked?

In the Movie Jagannatakam: Story begins on high shocking note with brutal killing of Srinu. Into the flashback, Prithvi (Pradeep Nandan), an aspiring actor leads a joyful life with group of friends, father and sister Divya (Usha Sri). Prithvi is a big Fan of Pawan Kalyan. He falls in love with orphan Bhanu (Khenisha Chandran). In no time, they both are together and get engaged. One disgraceful day changes whole life of Prithvi with his father found dead in a suicide and sister Divya goes missing. Later, Prithvi also distances from Divya on personal reasons. 

Here comes a major twist when Prithvi, Divya, Divya’s would be (Sreedhar) and a small time thief (Abhinav) trapped in a den (lodging) filled with Psychopaths. What is personal connection of Prithvi with this Psycho gang? How is Prithvi’s friend Srinu linked to the Psycho squad?

Values & Out of the Movie Jagannatakam: First of all, the whole idea of bequeathing a newfangled thought dealing with delicate family emotion on one side and a kooky Psychopath thread on other side is a gutsy move from Pradeep Nandan. The twin layered story is presented with a modish screenplay format. Dialogues written by Pradeep Nandan played pivotal part in uplifting overall spirit of film. His passion towards contributing a new flavor of cinema was sensible throughout. However, major loopholes in narration diluted Pradeep’s genuine efforts. 

Being a debutant, there was an inconsistency in execution. Thanks to the absolute honesty from camera department of Satish Muthyala. For a medium budget film with lot of new faces, this is a top class work. GV Chandrasekhar’s sober first half editing went erratic in second half. At least, 30 minutes of movie needs immediate trimming. 

Music by Ajay Arasada needs a special mention. His quality re-recoding left an impact. Production values of Chithra Soudha and Adi Sesha Reddy are palpable. 

Into performances, Pradeep Nandan is the show stealer. Despite understanding inherent limitations which could stop him from becoming a hero, he proved to be a loyal hard worker. Though half ripened, Pradeep’s sincerity in fulfilling every emotion to perfection is worth to appreciate. Being a follower of Pawan Kalyan, Pradeep tried to imbibe Power Star body language. 

Khenisha Chandran isn't good looking. Sreedhar does a total justification. Usha Sri got a sympathetic role. Abhinav tickled the fun bone. The whole group of artists skinned as Psychopaths are just hopeless and served weakest links of the film. Among the rest, none needs a big mention.

From experiment point of view, ‘Jagannatakam’ offers an unfamiliar, disturbing movie watch experience for viewers floated with devout cinema making skills in Pradeep Nandan. In one line, this is an emotional revenge drama added with a thrill. He established a dreary mood for second half but could not pull the game from there on. The inner struggle of hero to chase the reason behind his father's death and missing sister is of course handled well.

Above a hit or flop commercial result, Pradeep’s application of thought and soul into an unsure plot is an achievement by itself. The whole exercise is of course cumbersome yet there is a sense of non-predictability in this script.

On the lee side, there was no depth in demonstrating the disorderliness of Psychopaths characters. Movie falls into its own grave from there on. Lengthy climax action sequence is also shot uninteresting.

Overall, ‘Jagannatakam’ offered an extensive Tamil flair with rawness in narration. It is equally hard for Telugu audience to connect with Pysho concepts.  

In defiance of all the drawbacks, Pradeep Nandan is steadfast with unfamiliar approach under Hollywood influence. Let us see, what will be final judgment from common public.

Cinejosh Verdict of Jagannatakam: Over Passionate Adventure.

                                                             Cinejosh Rating: 2.25/5

                                                                                 Reviewed by Srivaas