OTT Review: Uma Maheshwara Ugra Roopasya Review – A partly engaging rural drama

Starring Satya Dev in the lead role, ‘Uma Maheshwara Ugra Roopasya’ released directly on Netflix today. The film is a remake of Malayalam super hit, ‘Maheshinte Prathikaaram’. Read on to see if the rural drama manages to keep the viewer engaged or not.

Story:

Uma Maheshwara Rao, a soft natured still photographer gets into big trouble after getting into a fight with a goon from his neighbouring village. Soon after, he suffers a heartbreak in regard to his love life. These incidents show a great effect on his life.

Mahesh then tries to seek revenge on the goon who beat him up and vows not to wear slippers till he does so. In the process, he falls in love again and his life brightens up. Will Mahesh take revenge on the goon? What does all this have to do with his love life? The answers to these questions form the rest of the story.

How about on-screen performances?

Satya Dev looks settled in the role of an amiable man. He is in his elements and delivers a natural performance. He does well in emotional episodes.

Naresh gets a meaty role and he impresses. Raghavan, who played the male lead’s father role looks apt. Suhas tickles the funny bones in a couple of comical sequences. Roopa Koduvayur as male lead’s love interest emotes well.

How about off-screen talents?

Venkatesh Maha who made his debut with critically acclaimed film C/O Kancharapalem has picked another rural drama subject. He did not make too many changes to the original story. The narrative is a bit uneven and more is expected of a promising director like him.

Background score is excellent and a couple of songs have repeat value. The cinematographer captured the beauty of Araku region quite well. Art direction is neat.

What’s hot?

Satya Dev’s natural performance

Love track

What’s not?

Slow start

Uneven screenplay

Predictable climax

Verdict:

‘Uma Maheshwara Rao Ugra Roopasya’ stays true to the original and just minor changes were made to suit the sensibilities of native audience. The film gets off to a slow start and picks up the momentum after 20-minutes or so. The way a small fight related to a banana turns into a huge brawl is entertaining. However, 3-4 stretched out sequences in the middle portion damage the flow of the film. The climax is predictable and pale. For most parts, there isn’t much happening in the film and that ultimately takes a toll on the viewing experience. It does not appeal to all sections of audience.

Watch or not?

You can give this partly engaging rural drama a try at the comfort of your home. The film has bright moments here and there but has its own set of flaws as well.

TeluguBulletin.com Rating: 2.5