Soft movies director Srikanth Addala is back after a brief gap with a powerful political drama titled Pedha Kapu. He is making it as a two part series and the first part released today starring a newcomer Virat Karna (Brother in law of Miryala Ravinder Reddy of Dwaraka creations) in the lead role. The movie garnered quite a bit of hype, thanks to its neatly cut trailer, title and genre. Lets see if it is worth the hype or not..
Story:
Set in early 80s background, the film revolves around two political rivals Satyarangaiah (played by Rao Ramesh) and Bayanna (played by Naren). Virat and his brother works for Satya as his loyal supporters. Virat’s love interest Lakshmi Tayaru (Pragathi Srivatsav) is raised by a drunkard (played by Tanikella Bharani) in the same village. Why and how the loyal brothers turn against Satya? Who is Akkamma (played by Anasuya) and how does she change the course of the story forms the main crux of the story
On screen performances:
Hero Virat is not cut for the role. His voice is weak (especially in the climax) and his facial expressions are very subtle in many of the crucial scenes. Definitely, he needs to improve in the above mentioned aspects for him to continue and have a bright future in the film industry.
Other experienced character artists such as Rao Ramesh, Naren among others gave good performance in their roles. Anasuya gets a meaty role in which she did really good. Eashwari rao and Rajiv kanakala as parents of Virat did justice to their roles. Heroine Pragati, Nagababu, Tanikella Bharani are ok in their roles.
Off screen talents?
Firstly, the film has some stunning visuals by Chota K Naidu. Chota K Naidu being an experienced cinematographer did cent percent justice to the film by showcasing the rustic village feel and periodic tint superbly.
Production values by Dwarka Creations are outstanding. The makers have spend more than the film requires which we can witness on the screen. Music is okay by Mickey J Meyer is just ok, but BGM is top notch.
Director Srikanth Addala came up with a story line which has many characters and twists. Although having a good story line is important for any movie, what made this movie go bit down south is his irregular and confusing screenplay/narration.
What’s hot?
- Visuals
- BGM
- Couple of scenes
What’s not?
- Screenplay
- songs
Verdict:
Overall, Pedha kapu 1 is a subpar political drama which has its high moments (couple of scenes) but not enough to make it a satisfactory watch over the weekend. Although from technical standpoint (visuals, BGM) it is good, the main complaint is its confusing screenplay/narration which made the story look convoluted. Hope Srikanth Addala takes care of these shortcomings in its sequel.
Telugubulletin.com Rating: 2.25/5
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Peddha Kapu – Part 1: A Telugu action entertainer starring newcomer Virat Karrna, directed by Srikanth Addala of ‘Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu’ fame. It’s the first part of a two-part franchise with music by Mickey J Meyer and cinematography by Chota K. Naidu. Produced by Miryala Ravinder Reddy’s Dwaraka Creations.
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6:30 PM EST: Movie is set in 1982 backdrop. Pedda Kapu (Virat) gets a good introduction in the movie with good BGM
6:45 PM EST: Chanvugua Choosina song is good montage song with great visuals. Virat’s brother gets beaten up by other party men.
7:15 PM EST: Political fight between two groups in Rajamundry, Bayanna and. Virat’s brother kills the other party men.
First Half Report: First half of Peddha Kapu is about conflict between two rival political sides with lead character being part of one side. Cinematography and BGM are very good, on the flip side screenplay/narration is confusing. Baring 2 or 3 scenes first half is average, lets wait for 2nd half.
Final Report: Peddha Kapu is an intense political drama which has a good plot but falters because of the confusing screenplay.BGM and Visuals are top notch.Srikanth Addala comes up with a convoluted yet good story but couldn’t live up to the hype because of poor narration.Watch this space for a full review.