Gautamiputra Satakarni

Gautamiputra Satakarni (2017): What could be more interesting than the combo of Krish and Balayya and that too as Balayya's 100th film.Curiosity is generated since the project announcement and when the news is out that Satakarni is the the great Telugu emperor who ruled a major part of India from Amaravathi.Not many people in the current generation are aware of this part of history before the announcement of this film.Director Krish who has made some memorable movies like Gamyam Vedam and recently Kanche further created huge expectations on the movie after releasing a stunning trailer. So, has this historical movie lived up to expectations?

Plot:

The story of the film is based on Gautamiputra Satakarni(Balakrishna), one of the most powerful kings who belonged to the Satavahana dynasty in India.He aims to bring various states/rajyas under one rule and unite them as one country. Although his wife Vasishta Devi (Sheiya) doesn't like his war-spree, his mother Balasri (Hema Malini) supports him.After winning a major battle against western king Nahapana, he prepares to fight against external forces such as Greek King Demetrius. But this fight is not going to be on a small scale. Can Satakarni win this battle?

Plus Points:

1)Performances: There is no doubt in saying that no one other than Nandamuri Balakrishna would have suited Satakarni's role as the star hero did. Right from Balayya's screen presence to his command over grandhika Telugu is an asset to the character.Balayya's dialogue delivery is in top form during war scenes and will surely bring goosebumps to fans all over.GPSK is one of the career best performances of Balayya.Shreya looked gorgeous and delivered wonderful performance.Her expressions in emotional scenes are very good.Hema Malini gave decent performance.The actress who played the Greek soldier role is seductive.

2)Dialogues: Dialogues are written beautifully by Sai Madhav and also mouthed by Balakrishna effectively.Krish films are well known for its meaningful thought provoking dialogues and this movie got plenty of them.Many dialogues are striking and entire credit goes to Sai Madhav for his talent for writing effective dialogues in Grandhika Telugu.

1)Sharanam ante Prana Bhiksha...Ranam ante Marana Bhiksha 2)Aadadhaani Kanneelu Gundello vuntey Puttillu Kallalo vuntey Attharillu..

There are lot more striking dialogues like these.

3)Cinematography and Visuals: Gnana Sekhar's excellent cinematography is the major highlight, he has filmed war sequences with aplomb. His eye for detailing has made the frames perfect.Gautamiputra Satakarni has some top class technical values.The movie has superb art work and graphical output. Visual effects in war sequences are terrific.

4)Direction: Krish should be applauded for bringing another epic heroic drama to Telugu Audience.His idea of making a biopic of an unknown ruler is a commendable job.Krish amazes everyone by opting for less CG and keeping things real. His story is very powerful and he as a director does not vary much in his narration.Kudos to him for showcasing the film in such a grand manner with whatever limited budget and resources he had (Within 80 days).

5)Costumes: This is one of the few movies where costumes,armory chose used for the war look realistic.

Minus Points:

1)Slow Pace: Gautamiputra Satakarni is not a regular commercial masala film.Even though Krish added a bit of commercial touch in few scenes,still this movie may not go well with commercial movie lovers.War Scenes are lengthy but effective

So,Gautamiputra Satakarni is a must watch film for its terrific performances,dialogues,top notch visuals and especially its story about an unsung Telugu emperor.

My rating 8/10

What a performance, screen presence and dialogue delivery by #Balayya. Hats of to you. Jai Balayya Jai Jai Balayya. #DirKrish, you had a great vision and superb time sense, you teach-ed a lot to the TFI. At present you emerged as one of the Great Director from TFI to Indian Film Industry. Superb acting by #Hemamalini, #Shriya, #KabirBedi and other Co Stars. #SaiMadhavBorra, as #Rajamouli said your Pen is like #GPSK's Sword. You created the Dialouges of History for the Historical Film. From now on wards you emerged as a Top Writer. #Chirantan, all songs, music and RR is Excellent, your Music is a big asset. Congrats to the whole Team of #GautamiputraSatakarni. Saho Satakarni Saho. This is ours History. This is ours Pride. This is our Legacy.

This film riding high on the "Telugu self respect" wave has hardly anything about the Telugu culture. Supposedly a magnum opus by Krish, known for his hard hitting films, this film wanes when it comes to the trademark of Krish. I was totally disappointed when stellar actors like 'Subhalekha' Sudhakar and Tanikella Bharani reduced to seconds and minutes respectively. Actresses Shriya and Hema Malini too don't have much scope to display their acting prowess. But the biggest positive is how well Balayya acts departing from his much stereotyped roles. He delivers the well written dialogues with elan. Balayya is the sole reason this film causes the viewer to sit. 'Sirivennela' Sitarama Sastry's lyrics are poetic and thought provoking. But Chirantan Bhatt's music is too loud and the lyrical beauty is lost in 2-3 songs. The background music is loud and unending. The fight scenes are laughably choreographed. The director included four battles resulting in shallow character sketches.

Why should you watch this film ? - Balayya's acting prowess - The beauty of Telugu which is seemingly waning in this age - This film is a breather in an industry ridden with routine themes and genres

Disappointments: - Not much of Telugu culture - Deplorable background music - Shallow character sketches - Hastily made film ending in poor graphics - Laughable stunts and fights

Verdict: One can't constrict books of history into a 2hr 30 min film. A tight schedule and budget with a story of this sort renders the product ugly. Endpoint: I spent my money on this and got its value rather than the routine and boring crap churned out day by day.

Nbk has done a good job even in this age looking younger then before.

Screenplay should have been better!

Music was not upto the best. Considering this as a historic movie it is justified.

Overall it's a good movie to watch.

I genuinely enjoyed every scene of this wonderful film