Naandhi Movie Review: Emotionally driven drama

Allari Naresh vowed to do only content-driven films after he rejuvenated his career with Maharashi. His latest outing, Naandhi garnered attention with its raw and intense teasers and trailer. This is the first time Allari Naresh is playing a full-length earnest role in his career and he is pinning high hopes on the film. Scroll on to read our review of Naandhi.

Story: Surya Prakash (Allari Naresh) is a software engineer who hails from a middle class family. He leads a typical working class lifestyle. One day, he meets Navami Gayak and the duo develop feelings for each other and even get engaged. Just as things seem to be going well, Surya is accused of murdering a human rights activist, Rajagopal and the local CI Kishore arrests him regarding the case. The police then create fake evidences to strengthen the case. Surya is sentenced to jail term, despite him claiming not guilty. This is when Aadhya(Varalaxmi Sarathkumar) an advocate takes up Surya’s case and she takes his side. Can Aadhya prove that Surya is not guilty? What are the troubles Surya faces while serving jail time? The answers to these questions form the core plot or the film.

What about on-screen performances?

Allari Naresh is seen as an undertrial prisoner who awaits the final judgement regarding his case. Playing such an acute role is something new for him but he scored cent marks with his stunning performance. This will go down as the finest performance in his career thus far. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar plays a lawyer and she carries the right emotions all through the film. She shoulders the film in the second half and she does a very good job. But her dubbing is underwhelming in certain sequences. Devi Prasad is seen as male lead’s father and he delivers a subtle performance. Priyadarshi tickles the funny bone in his introductory scenes. Harish Uthaman plays antagonist and he looks very natural.

What about off-screen talents?

Naandhi is one such film which needs technical brilliance along with gripping narrative. Luckily in this case, the technical crew is up for the challenge. Sid’s cinematography is exquisite. His visuals further elevate the theme of the proceedings. Sricharan Pakala’s background score is stirring and it is one of the main reasons why penultimate scenes in the film came out so very well. Chota K Prasad’s editing is a mixed bag. The first half is crisp and engaging but the second half has a few stretched out sequences which could have been chopped off.

Debut director Vijay Kanakamedala picks a hard-hitting and underlying subject for his first film and he needs to be appreciated for the effort. He tries to present the plot in the most authentic and realistic way possible. His narration in the opening half keeps the audience hooked. He extracts the very best of Allari Naresh and the rest of the cast as well. However, Vijay slightly loses his grip in the second half as the scenes pertaining to misuse of section 211 do not pack enough impact. Also, the second half is not as practical as the opening half.The scenes which feature the verbal exchanges in the court are not executed well.

What’s Hot?

• Allari Naresh’s clap-worthy performance
• Hard-hitting and realistic approach
• Background score and visuals
• Opening half
• Emotional scenes

What’s Not?

• Not-so-engaging second half
• Rushed climax
• Monotonous narrative
• Weak antagonist characterisation

Verdict:

Allari Naresh takes a detour from his usual slapstick comedies and delivers his career best performance in Naandhi. The second half is not as emotionally touching as the opening half and moreover, the ending seems rushed. The film will appeal to audience who love realistic dramas.

Watch or Not?: Naandhi is an emotionally driven drama with realistic approach. Those who love such films will enjoy this Vijay Kanakamedala directorial.

Telugubulletin.com Rating: 2.75/5