Wild Dog Movie Review: Nagarjuna’s One-man show

Nagarjuna Akkineni likes to experiment with his films and often works with budding filmmakers. His latest outing Wild Dog is helmed by newcomer Ahishor Solomon and it is promoted as an action thriller. Here’s our review of the film.

Story: Wild Dog is based on a series of bomb blasts in Pune and Hyderabad following the horrific 2006 bombings at Gokul chat, Hyderabad. The home department assigns the case to NIA officer Vijay Varma who is nicknamed Wild Dog. Can Vijay and his team nab the terrorists? If yes, what are the challenges they face during the investigation?

What about on-screen performances?

Nagarjuna is fit as a fiddle. His one-man show is the main asset of the film. He excels as a ruthless NIA officer. Dia Mirza makes a brief appearance and she delivers a fine performance. Saiyami Kher is good and she performs particularly well in action sequences. Ali Reza, Prakash Sudharshan, and Appaji deliver excellent performances.

What about off-screen talents?

Realistic action thriller is a rarely used explored genre in Telugu cinema and Wild Dog is one of the very few Telugu biggies to fall under this category. The terrorist bomb blasts in Hyderabad form the core plot of the film and the director narrates the proceedings without any deviations. The story in itself is intriguing and packs a punch. But Ahishor Solomon’s screenplay could have been better. The first 30 minutes are solely dedicated for the establishment of premise and that could have been avoided to give the film a better start. The second half is filled with action sequences but there aren’t many thrilling elements.

Shaniel’s cinematography is very impressive and he gives the film a new feel with his brilliant work behind the lens. Thaman’s background score gels with the theme and elevates certain sequences. Editing is crisp.

What’s Hot?

• Nagarjuna’s performance
• Story and premise
• Pacy second half
• Action episodes

What’s Not?

• Slow start
• First half
• Lack of thrilling elements
• Bumpy narrative

Verdict:

Wild Dog is powered by Nagarjuna’s stunning performance and has a very good premise. But the screenplay should have been laced with more thrilling elements which can keep the audience on the edge of the seats. There is enough action in the film but thrills, not quite.

Watch or Not: Nagarjuna’s fans can give it a try

Telugubulletin.com Rating: 2.5/5