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Cast: Anushka (Dual role), Deepak, Shayaji Shinde, Sonu Sood, Manorama, Kaikala Satyanarayana, Annapoorna, Ahuti Prasad and others
Story - screenplay: Mallemala Unit
Dialogues: Chintapalli Ramana
Music: Koti
Cinematography: K Senthil Kumar
Editing: Marthand K Venkatesh
Fights: Vijay
Art: Ashok Kumar
Creative director: Rahul Nambiar
Produced by: Shyam Prasad Reddy
Directed by: Kodi Ramakrishna
Release Date: Jan 16, 2008
CBFC Rating: A
What's it about?
Arundhati (Anushka) is descendant of Gadwal ruling dynasty. Her marriage is settled with Rahul (Deepak). Few days before her marriage, she comes to the fort of Gadwal from Hyderabad. There she is drawn to nearby abandoned fort where an evil is lying. Cut to flashback. Three generations back, Jejemma aka Arundhati (Anushka) kill her womaniser bava Pasupathi (Sonu Sood) whose spirit vows to take revenge. Three generations later, the new Arundhati kills him again.
Analysis
Arundhati can be branded as new kind of thriller as we have not seen such high-end graphical and special effects rich movie so far. This is perhaps the first movie in Telugu that has convergence of technique and content well. The graphics and special effects are on high standards. Special effects are mind-boggling. And screenplay is perfect. It never slackens. The best part of the screenplay is it doesn't deviate from the main storyline - not even in a single scene. And thankfully, there are no comedy tracks too. It sticks to its genre and storyline through out.
It doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have loopholes. Yes, it has some logical problems and the theme doesn’t hold water on scientific grounds, yet on cinematic liberties, it can be excused.
First half is really superb. But the second half lacks the tempo and the climax sequences defy the logic. We are informed that villain can be killed only if he gets to human form, but the evil force doesn’t go into any human body, yet Anushka kills him. How come?
Performances Anushka has given knockout performance in the role of Jejamma. She is backbone of the movie and she succeeds in delivering what she is asked to. All her efforts have really paid off. But she is not that effective in her latter role and also in a scene where she is required to dance, her gait and steps are amateurish. She should have taken care on that front. For the first time, she has done performance oriented role and also dual role and her tall figure is best suited for the role of bravery Jejamma.
Sonu Sood as evil force and womanizer king is exceptional. He brings venom on to the screen with his deadly looks as Satan and the dubbing given by P Ravi Shankar is another strength. Sayaji Shinde in the role of fakir has given wonderful performance. After Anushka and Sonu Sood, his character plays the major role in the movie and he has delivered it with finesse. Other cast is okay.
Technically, the film is on high standards. First and foremost, the credit should be given to the screenplay writer and then the creative director ( Rahul Nambiar). Screenplay is racy and there is a never a dull moment. Visual effects in the supervision of Rahul Nambiar are awesome. Ever dependable Senthil Kumar comes out with excellent visuals once again and provides camerawork in tune to the theme. Songs are weakest part of the movie but Koti makes it up with his good re-recording. If the songs are good, the film could have been even better. Ashok Kumar’s set work is first class. The fort set deserves special mention. Editing by Marthand K Venekatesh is also plus point. The film has less run time compared to regular Telugu films. Producer Shyam Prasad Reddy should be commended for his vision, passion and guts to make a film like this.
Best Parts
Racy screenplay, visual effects, Anushka in the role of Jejamma and Sonu Sood are strengths.
Minuses
1. Story doesn’t have emotional basis. The revenge is purely personal unlike Ammoru where ‘sentiment’ played prime part.
2. Climax is weak. And the graphics and visuals in climax look very pale and are not in quality.
3. Too much of violence and visuals of skulls and corpses.
4. Boring songs and Anushka’s awkward dance moments.
Bottom-line
Arundhati provides new visual experience for Telugu audiences. A good watch for the viewers! It is racy and entertaining. Screenplay and visual graphics are superb. The best part is that it is focused on its story and doesn’t deviate from the main theme. It is really graphical extravaganza. Despite many logic-less scenes, it gives unique experience for viewers. Go for it.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewed by: JP
Note: The film has content of aghoras, corposes, skulls and some gory visuals that may not suitable for children. So be warned.
