Nagabharanam Review

Nagabharanam Review, What’s Behind: Veteran director Kodi Ramakrishna is a brand ambassador in effectual dealing of social fantasy subjects. The magic he created in recent times like Anji, Devi Puthrudu, Arundathi have been torchbearers for younger generation to think at best of their imaginations. Here comes one more film in the same genre re-incarnating Late Vishnuvardhan in a cameo. Let us see, how far Kodi showed his best mark in the following review.

Nagabharanam Story: For every solar eclipse, all the gods lose their powers. To save themselves from evil forces, they hide their divine powers in a supernatural Kalasham and hide it in a secret place on earth. A brutal Aghora force named Kapali (Late Rajesh Vivek) joins hands with two goons (Ravi Kale, Mukul Dev) to gain control over Kalasham. On to the other side of story, Manasa (Ramya) falls in love with singer Naga Charan (Dignath) joining his music band. This troop is on a mission to win National level music competition wherein the Archaeological Department announces Kalasham as winning prize. Obviously Kapali attacks Naga Charan’s musical band and kills all his friends. Who is Manasa and how is her re-birth connected with Nagamma (Ramya)? What is her flashback with Sivayya family, entrusted with the duty to protect Kalasham? How Lord Shiva’s messenger (Late Vishnuvardhan) helps Manasa punishing the evil is rest.

Nagabharanam Artists and Technicians: The basic formula story from Kodi and his team though outdated but had enough potential to create wonders, if dealt properly with tight screenplay. Apparently, the movie lacked in focus stepping down in standards within first ten minutes after a bang start. For sure, Kodi hasn’t directed this film despite title credits mentioned his name because his mark was abundantly missing in drawing the emotions, ripening the sentiments or elevating the drama. Direction wise, ‘Nagabharanam’ is nowhere close to his masterpieces. Writing from MS Ramesh is so immature and dialogues dubbed from Kannada to Telugu are deplorable. HC Venu’s camera work was pretty conventional while VFX from Makuta team is top notch. Undisputedly, they worked very hard on this laborious task. Guru Kiran’s music is louder and so is his RR. Jhony Harsha’s editing is a bundle of errors. High standard production standards made movie bearable for viewing.

Onto performances, Ramya tried to emulate Anushka in many portions. Though she appeared powerful as Nagamma, her acts in the role of Manasa are embarrassing. Romantic track is also problematic. Dignath hasn’t got any skill to attract Telugu audience. Late Rakesh Vivek as Kapali is a total misfit. After watching Sonu Sood, this is infuriating. Mukul Dev and Ravi Kale aren’t competitive antagonists. Late Vishnuvardhan’s cameo is poorly designed. Sai Kumar shined in a special appearance. Rest does not need any mention.

Advantages:

VFX

Disadvantages:

Everything Else Other Than VFX

Nagabharanam Rating Analysis: Having acknowledged with tons of talent Kodi had in trading on supernatural thrillers dominated with jaw dropping VFX, we expect an ‘Arundathi’ standard film from ‘Nagabharanam.’ Unfortunately, he delivered a dud with no basic emotions and connectivity elements. Moreover, the Kannada backdrop and non-native Telugu artists made the run dry and irritated. Had Kodi showed minimum of his expertise in screenplay blueprint, final output would have been largely varied.

Beginning the story with pinpointed briefing about solar eclipse and its effect on gods, story sounded highly exciting. Once into main character introduction, Dignath and Ramya’s entry started faintly. Following episodes of romantic track are senseless. Pushing us into Kapali’s track is just clueless and bad editing damaged the rotten output further. Music competition scenes and Kapali killing Dignath’s friends are dealt heinously.

Into second half, Dignath forcing Ramya to narrate the flashback vented for the entry of Sai Kumar. Here, certain areas looked promising. By the end of flashback, there is nothing left to guess. Roping in Vishnuvardhan for climax is a good move (for Kannada audience). High quality VFX made climax look striking.

All in all, ‘Nagabharanam’ is a classic case of how socio fantasy scripts can go wrong when emotions and story are left shallow. If a film tries to balance only on high end CG, no more audience can tolerate the imbalance. VFX and content if goes hand in hand, result can be an ‘Arundathi’ else it is ‘Nagabharanam.’ CJ rates the movie with 2 stars at grace for great deal of effort put in by VFX teams. Commercially, ‘Nagabharanam’ might do well for a day or two in lower order centers.

Nagabharanam Cinejosh Verdict: When Snake Bites The VFX.

                                               Nagabharanam Cinejosh Rating: 2.0/5.0

                                                                                       Reviewed by Srivaas