Pratighatana Review

Behind the Movie Pratighatana: After the episode of Nirbhaya in New Delhi, entire Nation has shown the concern on safety of women in society. Based on this social issue, Tammareddy Bharadwaja has come up with this film with Charmi, Reshma in leads. Let us see, how far they provided a solution to stop the rapes?

In the Movie Pratighatana: Movie begins on a high pitch introducing Police Officer Chalam (Atul Kulkarni) as encounter specialist. After the titles, Balaraju (Raghu Babu), a noted goon establishes a political party Uddaristha to become CM but becomes a Minister merging his party in ruling party. Then comes Nishchala (Charmi), a socially responsible TV5 channel reporter begins to work on a rape case in a small village with the help of rape victim’s friend Shanti (Reshma). The four rapists involved in case are related to Balaraju who influences local SI (Posani) without filing the charge sheet. Entry of Nishchala brings this rape into media and public light. To escape from scandal, Balaraju’s men kill the rape victim and then rape Shanti who goes into coma.

Nishchala decides to fight against these brutal atrocities by joining the hands with Police Officer Chalam appointed by CM (Benarjee). When legal and political measures fail to provide a solution, how did Nischala solve the case is rest.

Values & Out of the Movie Pratighatana: With Nirbhaya episode, India is projected as the Rape Capital of World. Tammareddy wanted to reflect the feelings and reactions of a common man against the rising number of rapes in India. He touched each and every aspect of society on how politicians, police, media etc exploit the stigma of a rape victim. Blame it on the political and administration structure of India which cannot provide an answer so easily to any social complication. However, the strong voice with which Tammareddy presented these facts missed in cinematic expression. 

To give a sense of trustworthiness for audience, a director has to add the credibility in his characterizations. All of a sudden, three crooks come from nowhere and begin to rape a girl who is just introduced on screen. Without any prelude, Charmi becomes ferocious to offer a loud baashan. Such episodes has crept lot of shallowness into treatment and execution. Although the effort of Tammareddy needs to be appreciated but serious tenderness needed for viewers to feel the pain and agony was missing. Along with rape, Tammareddy rounded off his perceptions even on corrupt, selfish politicians and yellow media. Never to miss, Uddaristha Party in movie is a satire aimed at Praja Rajyam.

Performance wise Charmi oozed lot of energy with own voice dubbed. Particularly in TV episode, she has shown the real prowess. Then Reshma did well. The artist who did as first rape victim was also ok. Raghu Babu, Uttej were cacophonic although provided some laughter. Atul Kulkarni added the momentum in second half. Benarjee was fine as CM. 30 years industry Surya was a fun. Brahmanandam as Krishna Murthy and Jhansi as social activist did their job. 

On technical front, Gopal Reddy’s camera work, Kotagiri’s editing is decent. MM Keeravani and Yeshwant Nag’s BGM was deeply ear-piercing. Dialogues from Lakshmi Bhupal exposed and explored the present day society. Production values of Charitha Chithra are also above average.

As the subject taken up for movie is quite serious with lot of angles involved, Tammareddy did not forcibly inject any comedy (except Brahmi). So, the bottom line is clear. There is nothing like entertainment you can expect here, this is bound and determined to one contemporary point of rape.

Cinejosh Verdict of Pratighatana: A Socially Stirring Film.

                                                             Cinejosh Rating: 2.25

                                                                                          Reviewed by Srivaas