Naa Ishtam Review

Behind the movie Naa Ishtam: Pairing of Rana, Genelia is altogether a new one that raised expectations on film. Into his first commercial project, obviously audiences expect Rana to break his previous barriers of serious characterizations. Let us see, how far director Prakash Toleti succeeded in his efforts to showcase Rana in new frame?

In the Movie Naa Ishtam: Ganesh (Rana) living in Malaysia is a man of no beliefs. Though good at heart, he exhibits emotions only when drunk. In one unexpected circumstance, Ganesh meets Krishnaveni (Genelia) when surrounded by thugs. In the process of saving her, Ganesh looses his hefty amount. Story of Krishnaveni is, she is in love with Kishore (Harshavardhan Rane) who isn’t liked by her dad Naidu (Naazar). As they plan to elope and get married, Kishore misses in timing to meet Krishnaveni. To recover his financial loss, Ganesh takes Krishnaveni to her dad in India explaining the entire episode. But, in no time finds that Krishnaveni’s fiancée isn’t a suitable match for her and he brings her back to Malaysia. In the due process, Ganesh starts getting attracted towards her and love blossoms. Here is the twist as Kishore makes a sudden entry on one side and Naidu employs Don Salim (Shawar Ali) to trap Ganesh. How did Ganesh become a wall between Krishnaveni & Kishore; how did he win her love forms the rest.

Values of the Movie Na Ishtam: The whole and sole saving grace of movie is Rana’s different approach. Having seen him in underplayed roles till date, Rana for the first time got into the skin of commercial hero. Director Prakash Toleti needs all applause for coming with fairly new mannerisms trying different styles on Rana. He danced well, took his time in rendering some quick punch dialogues, performed well in action scenes. The area where Rana needs to brush is to cook up some emotions in face. Genelia is into her regular basics and her chirpy smile is lovable. Her chemistry with Rana was pleasing. Harshavardhan Rane got a cool look. Naazar is customary. Comedy by Brahmi (Kadiyam Bujji) and Jogi Brothers was entertaining to some extent. Surprise package was Bharat (Raviteja’s brother) who has done a good cameo. Of the remaining Ali, Raghu Babu, Ahuthi Prasad, Subba Raju, Shawar Ali and others are just middling.

On technical front, sole person who needs to be blamed for any negative ratings for this film should be director Prakash Toleti. His callowness in dealing the second half is major reason why film suffered. Scripting was cockeyed. Venkat Prasad’s cinematography is distinctly perceptible as locations of Malaysia are presented in rich format. Editing by Kotagiri could have been definitely better in second half. Music by Chakri is worth listening for couple of songs (Oh Saathiyaa…) while background was conventional. Dialogues penned for Rana’s character have a flavor of Puri Jagannath’s influence. Production values of United Banners are very good.

Out of the Movie Naa Ishtam: Story element picked by Prakash was customary and his directorial abilities are put to test with very debut flick. Clearly the conviction he showed in running the first half missed in second half. When the lock in plot is revealed early, Prakash should have adhered to become precautionary measures in traversing through second half. He missed in raising the curiosity of viewers while Rana was juggling to win his love. In fact, pace in second half falls rapidly to lowest ebb and thus even the final output.                 

Well, comparisons or resemblances of ‘Naa Ishtam’ with other triangular love concept movies would be amateurish because Rana is refreshing throughout. Best positives one can trace out in Rana with the film are his dedication and hard work to offer something in new for patrons. Given the towering height and macho look, Rana can be a jig saw fit into action oriented stories. From now on, this Daggubati hunk should take more care in selecting the scripts and directors else this kind of movies might become detrimental to his career. However, ‘Naa Ishatm’ is passable just for presence of Rana. Commercially, film would have got much better result if Prakash has showed more alertness in scripting of second half.                   

Cinejosh Verdict of the Movie Naa Ishtam: Hey…even Rana can be a Commercial Hero!

                                                                                               Reviewed by Srivaas