A small film, Rajadhani Files sparked significant anticipation from the outset, as it aimed to delve into the challenges faced by Amaravathi farmers amidst the contentious decision to establish three capitals in Andhra Pradesh by the current government. High Court in AP has banned the release of the film in the state and many screenings were stopped disrutively. Bhanu Shankar has directed this film and let’s review it here.
Story
Rajadhani Files centers around Gautham (Pushparaj Akhilan), who contemplates leaving his hometown but becomes entangled in the plight of farmers who relinquished their lands for the development of Aruna Pradesh’s new capital, Airavathi. As the newly appointed Chief Minister(Vishal Patni) neglects Airavathi, it ignites a wave of resistance among the farmers. To uncover the destiny of Gautham and his community, and whether their hopes come to fruition forms the basic story of the film.
What about on-screen performances?
Pushparaj Akilan, portraying Vinod Kumar’s son, approached his role with sincerity and authenticity, embodying the character’s traits convincingly. His portrayal was characterized by genuine mannerisms.
Vinod Kumar delivered a compelling performance as the village leader, exuding authenticity and depth in his portrayal. His performance was marked by nuanced emotions and expressions, enhancing the impact of the scenes.
Vani Vishwanath makes a comeback and her performance was emotionally resonant, effectively connecting with viewers. Despite a minor role, Veena Panchaparvala delivered a decent performance.
Supporting actors Vishal Patani, Shanmukh, and others contributed significantly to the narrative. Amrutha Chowdhary was also neat in her role.
What about off-screen talents?
Manisharma’s musical compositions serve the narrative adequately, featuring situational songs and a commendable background score. Cinematographer Ramalingam Ramesh Babu adeptly captures the struggles of Amaravathi and the ensuing power dynamics.
Editor Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao’s work could have been more precise, as the film suffers from prolonged and repetitive scenes. Rajadhani Files is helmed by director Bhanu Shankar. He aims to shed light on the tribulations faced by Amaravathi farmers following the government’s decision to establish three capitals in Andhra Pradesh.
The main part is to avoid political controversies, the makers chose to refrain from using real names and characters. Shankar skillfully evokes emotions and heightens scenes with impactful dialogues. However, the excessive dramatization, particularly in depicting violence, tends to overshadow the film’s intended message.
The second half of the film drags, testing the audience’s patience, although the conclusion offers a sense of relief. The storyline feels predictable, the screenplay is adequate, and the direction lacks innovation. Improved casting decisions could have enhanced the emotional resonance, as the current actors lacked the requisite depth.
What’s Hot?
- Basic Storyline
- A few emotions
- Research on the subject
What’s Not?
- Boring second half
- Dull emotions in climax
- Lack of grip in screenplay
- Lack of proper cast
- Slow pace
Verdict: Overall, Rajadhani Files tries to tell a point but falls short in terms of storytelling execution and pacing. The narration is weak and the star cast though trying hard does not create much of an impact in conveying the point and makes the film boring.
Telugubulletin.com Rating: 2.25/5