Srimannarayana Review

Behind the Movie Srimannarayana: This is a long phase of flops for Balakrishna and he has pinned hopes on this film from director Ravi Kumar Chavali. With two hot babes Isha Chawla and Parvathi Melton, let us see how far Ramesh Puppala has used the star stamina of Balayya Babu?

In the Movie Srimannarayana: Journalist Sriman (Balakrishna) works for ZEE 24 Hours channel and he has a competitive reporter Swapnika (Parvathi Melton) in Channel 6. After breaking the Jai Jawan Land Scam of Minister Byle Reddy (Jayaprakash Reddy), Puli Keshav Reddy (Supreet) and Mafia Don Harshad Korari (Suresh), very soon Sriman goes to meet his father Kalki Narayana Murthy (Vijay Kumar), a man who sacrifices his life for the well being of poor farmers. He begins a Welfare Fund with the name of ‘Jai Kisaan’ to collect Rs.5000 Crores touring all across the State. Sriman is engaged to his Maradalu Bhanu (Isha Chawla).

All of sudden story takes a twist with murder of Kalki Narayana Murthy and 5000 Crores are looted by the group of six villains; viz. Byle Reddy, Puli Keshav Reddy, Mafia Don Harshad Kothari, IG Srikar Prasad (Rao Ramesh), Dr. Marthand (Nagineedu) and Bank Manager Rajan Mudaliyar (Kota).  Then, Sriman will be sent to jail trapping into this Rs. 5000 Crore scam. How did Sriman come out with a revenge plan to kill all the six with the help of CBI Officer Gnaneshwar (Vinod) and Swapnika is the rest. 

Values of the Movie Srimannarayana: The best value of this old contented revenge drama film is the presence of Balakrishna. Although this kind of character is a cake walk for the senior hero, dialogues by Polur Ghatikachalam added some freshness. Ravi Kumar Chavali has just followed his hit flick ‘Samanyudu’ storyline to convince the audience. Basically, positive point is that ‘Srimannarayana’ at least has a story line. Scripting wise, Ravi still stuck to 1980 and 90 formula with no surprises. Narration was completely plain. Chakri’s music was a better score for two songs while background is regular. Editing by Gowtham Raju and cinematography of Surender Reddy lacked in special flavor. Production values of Ramesh Puppala and Yellow Flowers banners are just okay.

Performance wise, Balakrishna shouldered the character with ease. He was as usual at full flow in rendering powerful dialogues. One scene of encounter with CBI Officer and the costume of Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy will be a treat for Fans. Isha Chawla has a right oomph which is waiting to get tapped while Parvathi Melton’s Zero Figure was alluring. Their chemistry with Balakrishna was good. Comedy scenes involving these three and Duvvasi offered relief. Among the villains every one was regular. Comedy by MS and Krishna Bhagawan was poor. Vinod Kumar, Ahuti Prasad, Vijay Kumar, Sudha, Dharmavarapu and others did their portions.

Out of the Movie Srimannarayana: The simple inference is, a film with this kind of content can’t attract all the sections of audience. Director’s inability in dealing a star hero was felt with in the first 15 minutes of run. Story did not actually take off till 30 to 40 minutes after the start. Hero introduction was really pathetic. Then songs followed with Parvathi and Isha are out of context. Once the concept of Jai Kisaan is brought into the story, movie picks up to end on a usual note for Interval. 

As the actual lock in plot is revealed just before interval, director has a challenging task to keep the audience excited on how Balayya takes revenge on each of the villains in total second half. From here on Ravi’s treatment was full of ups and downs. He was unable to convince the public loosing grip on revenge saga. Climax was also below average and movie ends on a faint note. Commercially, there are chances of B & C Center audience along with hardcore Nandamuri Fans can offer some respite. ‘Srimannarayana’ is neither an engaging entertainer not a complete disappointment.

Cinejosh Verdict of the Movie Srimannarayana: Just an Okay Film.

                                                                                       Reviewed by Srivaas