Srimanthudu

If a leading star has had two box office turkeys, one would expect his next film to have all that's considered necessary for a blockbuster. While trying to get this recipe for success right, often, a director plays around with an apology of a plot.

The trailer of Srimanthudu had the glimpse of a promising story line, of a well-heeled youngster adopting a village. But the promotional campaign laid stress on the entertainment factor; the team didn't want to make the huge fan base believe they are in for a 'message- oriented' drama. Does the promise of a strong core get drowned in the Masala? Pleasantly, it doesn't. Director Koratala Siva gives the fan base enough to cheer and at the same time, has a firm grip over the plot.

Harsha (Mahesh) is the scion of his father's (Jagapati Babu) business empire. He isn't keen on taking over the reigns of the empire. Rather, he takes up a course on rural development after he meets Charusheela (Shruti Haasan), who wants to use technology to the benefit of her village.

Harsha doles out wads of notes to an elderly woman begging at the traffic signal, donates lack's of rupees to an employee for his daughter's wedding and generally, remains aloof from the ostentatious setting that surrounds him. Like the father and son in K. Balachander's excellent Rudraveena, here too, the father and son differ in their ideological outlook. The father-son clashes here are more subtle. There is a certain respect with which Harsha puts forth his points of view and bides time to, like he says, earn his respect.

Giving away money is the first step, but will Harsha risk his life when he is up against a local hoodlum, Sashi (Sampath) and a minister (Mukesh Rishi)? A liquor network, a water bottling unit eating into the drinking water source of the village, and agriculture land at the brink of being taken over for political gains, all find a place in Harsha's journey.

As the hurdles get tougher, the film glorifies Harsha as the hamlet's savior. But that's expected of a commercial entertainer.

I am happy to see such a movie. I always tell friends and family, there are choices even in doing our duty. Greatest example of all time is Ramayana. When time comes to honor the promise of King Dasharadha, What Rama did is not exactly followed by all brothers and their spouses. Laxmana followed Rama, But his wife did not follow Sita. Same way Bharata and Shatrughna did not do what Laxmana did. However all of them are right based on their own way of what is right.

I am very happy to see such scenes in this movie. Villager brother wanted to leave the village Hero stops and gives a reasoning as to why he should not leave the 'Family'. However when it comes to hero, he leaves the family. He explains his reasons why he wants to leave the family. For those who try to compare they feel hero did wrong. We need a maturity understand why both actions are right.

Its is not an easy thing after an epic and super successful movie Bahubali also last two of Mahesh Babu movies were an average and labeled as flop moves (though I do not agree that 1 Nenokkadine was a bad move). Therefore, the the odds were not that great. But here is what, Srimanthudu surpassed my expectations, richness is everywhere, cinematography, story, screen play, direction, music (could have been even better), and my favorite one, the fight scenes. Director Koritalla Siva is known for best from his previous move Mirchi, took almost three years to make his second movie and done an excellent job.

Recently it is quite common that the hero is a born rich and parents wanted to continue the family saga, however, director took in a different direction, after all rich people also starve to do something better to the society, this is exactly what this movie is about. A simple message to adopt a village.

Mahesh looked awesome (as usual), he has done an excellent job, and lived in his character, one noticeable thing that director was very careful is in Mahesh dances, did not put lot of effort in there (dances are not Mahesh department). A great deal of credit goes to hero characterization, we can feel that, this role only Mahesh can do. We all know that we may hit two or three people but definitely not 10s and 20s, however, framing of fight scenes are exceptionally good and Mahesh done excellent job in that. Not much to say about Shruti Hassan, she got a decent role and done reasonably well, she looks very skinny, I think she should seriously think about put on some weight.

My second favorite role in this movie is Jagapati Babu, he is well suited in his father's role, did not miss Prakash Raju at all, Jagapti Babu has a great future in his second inning as a character role.

Before I conclude, many of us came from village background, I am sure this will take us to our childhood and will remind us our village days, definitely creates some thoughts on visiting our birth place.

Music department is average, just couple of songs were good, rest can be taken out and more over this movie does not require any song (may be two if someone is desperate). No usual comedy track which is a big relief.

Overall, it is well a made movie, keeps you interesting till end and best treat for Mahesh Babu fans.

Tollywood was suffering from routine formula story's.Writers were too afraid and directors were not willing to take any risk with new formulas.As a result we get to eat same stuff cooked in new bowl every Friday.But this Friday is different with srimanthudu.This movie deals with strong content which we don't usually get.That strong content is expressed with strong emotions with extraordinary actors.

No forced comedy,No forced punch dialouges,No forced fights.Srimanthudu is very neat and i mean it in every different way.Koratala siva has mastered the village nativity and we should really thank him for what he was trying to do with srimanthudu.What words were left to describe mahesh babu.He is defeating himself in acting with every movie.Shruthi hassan was beautiful and she did her job very well.

Music was soul of the movie.Srimanthudu song was played as background song in some scenes and every time this song is played,it was right on time.Jaago song was highlight of the movie.it changes the momentum of the movie and mahesh babu's attitude in this song was like never seen before.Every body did beat in their job and result was srimanthudu.Plz don't miss this,because this type of movies,presented in every perfect way are rare in tollywood.

In the context of brain drain and rather dismal state of India's villages, it is no wonder that this film, although a commercial one is a hidden appeal to people, especially the wealthy, to "Return to Roots".

Overall, watching the film is a good experience. The director's job was fairly good. The music was enjoyable. And yet again, Mahesh Babu steals the show with his trademark performance peppered by witty remarks and silent demeanor. Shruti Hassan is only getting better with every film. She pulled off terrific and the chemistry between the lead pair is good. However, the veterans Jagapathi Babu as a caring yet indifferent father and Dr.Rajendra Prasad as the benevolent village head have added more grace to the film.

On the positive side, it is a treat for Mahesh's fans. The emotional connect the film offers is also great! But, the story does seem to drag a bit.