Shakti Movie Review

We are just one step away from the World Cup and Thanks to our Indian Team who played brilliantly and proudly made to the final. With the exams and cricket coming to an end, it’s the time for movie festival to start this summer. And Shakti marks the start of the summer spree. Shakti starring NTR and is produced by AswiniDutt on huge scale. Shakti is directed by Meher Ramesh who directed stylish films like Billa and Kantri. Ileana plays the heroine…

Let’s check out if Shakti could live up to the efforts that are put in and expectations of the fans…

Plot: Story deals with 18 Shakti peetams and a holy ritual that needs to be performed every 27 years, to protect the sanctity and power of the 18 Shakti Peetams. Movie is all about how a protector Rudra (NTR) and his successor Shakti (NTR) safe guards these Peetams and perform the ritual at right time.

Performances...

NTR is given the new title “A1 Star” with the film. He is seen in two roles, one as Rudra and other as Shakti swaroop. Shakti role is of the current generation. He is good with rugged look, dons his role with ease. He excels in his comfort zone that is dances. Other role Rudra as revealed during the audio release has got mixed response. Director fails to bring out the best from that role and thus below expectations.

Ileana looks gorgeous as usual. Just as any other movie she is just there for songs and of course serves as some connecting point to the proceedings.

Nazar as holy saint...Tamil actor Prabhu as Ileana’s father and the home minister have good roles and they score well. Jackie Shroff and Vinod Kumar are fine.

SP Balasubramanyam has brief role in flashback...and his voice serves to explain the concept in detail.Manju bhargavi as his wife is wasted. Manjari Fadnis as Rudra’s wife too has minute role.

Comedians Krishna Bhagwan, Ali and Venumadhav come at right time/place and provide some comic relief. Brahmanandam is wasted again.

And less we talk about Egyptian batch is better. Sonu sood is utterly wasted. And so are other villains including Puja bedi and a huge Iron man who acted as her son.

Movie flow…

First half flows in typical Telugu movie style where hero serves as guide to heroine’s batch and eventually heroine falling for him. Locations like Jaipur, Srinagar and Haridwar that are chosen as background offer some freshness and presence of Ali and Krishna Bhagwaan passes the time easier and thus entire first half goes smoothly. There is little surprise for interval bang, which is fine.

Second half has the flashback episode. This episode which explains in detail the holy ritual is adequate. But the Rudra’s characterization and even the make-up lack the punch. The kind of scenes which brings a great deal of energy as in Rajamouli’s movies are completely missing. Thus Rudra’s portrayal suffers a lot. Whatever happens next to the flashback is what every common audience can easily imagine.

Egyptian crisis spoiled the flick.

Director Meher no doubt has come up with some sellable story line. But linking the theme with the Egypt is suicidal attempt. The connection seems funny and is useless in fact. Also lot of stretching seen all over with no sufficient stuff tests the patience in many ways.  Manisharma who is known in providing brilliant background scores does not really help this flick . Flashback episode too does not offer much surprise. Songs especially the duets are so badly placed.

What’s fine then!!

NTR’s role as Shakti is mixed with all mass ingredients to entice front benchers for a while. Though duets are not rightly placed, NTR-Ileana make a nice pair in songs. Presence of experienced actors helps a bit as in all Aswinidutt’s films. Efforts of shooting in various locations in North India and in Dubai are visually appealing, Thanks to brilliant work by SameerReddy. Anand Sai’s art is also commendable…especially for the set of Goddess Durga and towards the “Prema Desam yuvaraani” song.

Final Say:

It’s not always the budget that makes it big, but it needs freshness and an extra effort to hit hard.  Shakti does not at any point thrill the audience, but just stays as the routine flick. A better flashback episode and much engaging screenplay minus the Egyptian connection would have done miracles. Nevertheless Nandamuri fans and others craving for a decent flick for past one month can have a look. Shakti stands beside Vyjayanthi’s previous movie Kanthri in substance.

Rating:

2.75/5 at the best for overall effort involved. Movie will enjoy some time at the box-office for it being the first big release after long hiatus. But seriously could have been much better!!

Teenmar Songs Review

Teenmaar…..The title by itself stands for celebrations….and of course this summer is big celebration time for Pawan Kalyan Fans! Incidentally Kushi and Jalsa that are released during summer went on to become blockbusters of their times. “Teenmaar” the Remake of Bollywood hit “Love Aaj Kal” is directed by Jayanth C paranjee…while music is given by Maestro Manisharma…who gave rocking music to Pawan for Kushi and Gudumba Shanker!!

ఆలే బాలే..ఆలే బాలే..తీన్ మారే లె (aalE baalE..aalE baalE..teen maarE le)

The Rocking title song …to start the album. Sung by modern melody king in the block, Hemachandra who is right now on full swing after his melodies like piliche pedavula piana in Khaleja .. Shravana Bhargavi joins him for this peppy number….While tune is classy, Lyrics by Bhaskarabhatla are massy enough like “Racha rachele”…”Kevvu kekeley” ..”daari kaddoste laagi tanneddam” . So it’s a brilliant combination of Mass-class giving it an universal appeal…Not to forget the drums in between…which justifies the Teenmaar effect…Mani thus gives hummable and memorable Title Song…Someone might say song is roughly inspired by “Chor Bazaar” of Love Aaj Kal…and this time Mani has every right to do it…as movie is remake of the same…no offense. So this song comes in second half when the lead pair rejoices after they meet after long time!!

వయ్యారాల జాబిల్లి ఓణి కట్టి...గుండెల్లొనా చేరావె గంటే కొట్టి!!( vayyaaraala jaabilli ONi kaTTi...gunDellonaaa chEraave ganTE koTTi!!)

Second one is retro song…Song for Pawan in flashback. This time it is Kaarunya’s turn…His voice breathes life to this melody…it is such a sweet. Unlike Keeravani, Manisharma has not given pure melodies without beats…So it’s a tough one..But Mani succeeds in giving this wonderful tune…which gives a feel of fresh air….Nice lyrics given by new lyricist Rahaman

చిగురు బోనియా...వలపు తెనియా...( chiguru bOniyaa...valapu teniyaa...)

Next we have a freaky foot tapping number…a kind of Rap song…definitely lovable one… Funny and senseless lyrics from Viswa…Yes, Lyrics are just to fill the tune..But Viswa’s voice fits the bill…I am sure this one is gonna rock the dance floors at disco’s in coming times…This trend-setting tune is a remix by its own…

జగమేలు శివశంకర..నువ్వుంటే మాకింక భయమేందిరా!!( శ్రీ గంగ) (jagamElu SivaSankara..nuvvunTE maakinka bhayamEndiraaa!!

Devotional Song now…Just like Bham Bham Bhole from Indra…Another Song on Lord Shiva for Mega brothers..and again in the background of holy town Kaasi. It’s Hemachandra’s rendition again…No doubt he is the master…and there are very less chances that you don’t fall in love with his voice. Sree Vardini sings this one along with him. She is equally soothing. Ram Jogayya Sastri garu provides marvelous lyrics praising Lord Siva..”Nelavanka ku toduga…velugai nuvvundaga..aamavaasa ledu ilalo”. This kind of Song is not in the original…and of course this is Trivikram’s creation, might be for Pawan’s introduction in the flashback episode… Eager to see Pawan dance for this one. I could imagine a similar situation in Dalapathi…where Sobhana sings in the temple while Rajni dances on the streets for “chilukamma chitikeyanga”..:)

బార్బి బొమ్మకి చెల్లెలివా...బాబొయి ప్రపంచ సుందరివా...( baarbi bommaki chellelivaa...baaboyi prapancha sundarivaa...)

Again a dance number….This time a fusion of folk(Oho basti dorasaani) and disco…Benny dayal and Shravani Bhargavi sing this playful number. The similar song in the Original is “Twist”, the song with the foreign beauty… The dance steps in this one would be real good….

గెలుపు తలుపులే తీసే..ఆకాశమే...నేడు నా కోసమే!!( gelupu talupulE teesE..aakaaSamE...nEDu naa kOsamE!!)

A situational song sung by Indian idol Sri Ramachandra …This song comes in the situation where the hero achieves the goal( of pursuing higher education at Golden Gate, California) in the pre-climax..in fact a happy situation that turns into a sad one as he realizes that he misses the love of his life..In first stanza he sings “Nannu veedi kadaladu kaalam oka kshanamaina” .and at the end he sings ”Nannu nene gelichi vantariga nilichaane” Rahaman provides nice lyrics…And Sreeram sings it so soulfully. A similar one in the Original is “Main Kyaa hoon”

It’s been real awaiting album from Manisharma…after a long time…Like an oasis in the desert….with all songs in perfect sync with the time and matching the original….More you Liston…More you get addicted…

About the Movie:

Love Aaj kal, the original version of Teenmaar….showcases the variations in the love that happens in two different generations…While the old generation fights for the Love, the current generation just can’t really realize it till the end. It has got wonderful emotions…And lot of diversity in the two roles. And I am sure, this will be right choice for Pawan. I think special care is taken in designing his role in flashback to suit the Telugu nativity…And the emotions played by the current hero role towards climax when he realizes his missing love are awesome…And Pawan sure would rock there!!. Jayanth’s skillful remake tactics…and Trivikrams punch will add more flavor to the original for sure…So Eagerly waiting for the film!

Shakti Songs Review

Summer is on its way…And it‘s gonna bring us loads of movies with all the youngsters lined up. NTR’s Shakti made on huge scale will kick-off the Summer bonanza very soon for us…As we are currently happy and occupied with cricket, let’s add some fun with Music that is out.

Shakti is produced by AswiniDutt under his prestigious Vyjayanthi movies. Music for Shakti is provided by Manisharma who delivered several musical block-busters for the same banner.

Here’s the gist of all the songs…

తాలియా..తాలియా..తాలియా రే..( taaliyaa..taaliyaaa..taaliyaa rE..)

A typical-mass introduction song. Definitely would cheer the front benchers…But surely not many of us. Ranjit sang this song aptly. A disappointing one from Maestro Manisharma who delivered best of introduction songs like “Bam bam bhole shankam mogeraaa(Indraa), Yamaha Nagari(Choodalani undi) or Sada Siva (Khaleja) “ and lot to name, those songs which enticed all sets of audience equally. With decent lyrics by Ram Jogayya Sastri , this just suffices in introducing hero’s character.

ప్రేమదేశం యువరాణి...పూత ప్రాయం విరిబొణి..యెరి కోరి మెచ్చావే ఈ తోటరామున్ని!!( prEmadESam yuvaraaNi...poota praayam viriboNi..yeri kOri mechchaavE ee tOTaraamunni!!)

Yes this is the song I look for in any Mani’s Album. A soothing melody and Mani makes it evergreen with his Midas touch. Hemachandra, new melody king in the block (He rendered Piliche pedavula paina from Khaleja) again creates the magic with his beautiful rendition. Saindavi joins him just to double the sweetness. We will like every line of the Ram Jogayya Sastri’s lyrics. This is no doubt the best song of the album and is gonna stay back long with us along the Mani’s list of evergreen melodies….

మతిలేక పిచ్చిగా...నిను ప్రేమించానా బుచ్చిగా...( matilEka pichchigaa...ninu prEminchaanaa buchchigaa...)

A good one to follow …This time a fast number. Sung very well by Ranjit and chinmayi. Chinmayi’s husky voice is asset to the song. The song which starts as ordinary one soon gets on us...thanks to wonderful orchestra by Mani’s team. Song has loads of peppiness…Real trendy song sure gonna rock with good picturization!! Jonnavithula provided good lyrics.

మహ రుద్ర శక్తి...( maha rudra Shakti...)

NTR plays double role in the movie. Rudra is a role in Flashback and this song depicts his introduction. Voices provided by many singers including Ranjit, Muralidhar, Hanumantha Rao, Hemachandra, Rita , Vardhini, Saindhavi and Malavika…Uff long list…Anyways this song would appeal on screen as it is situational. Mani’s background score would be plus for this film.

సుర్రా సర్రాన్నాదే..సుర్రన్నా యమగున్నాదే...( surraa sarraannaadE..surrannaa yamagunnaadE...)

Again a good duet…A bit different one especially the start would definitely grab your attention. It is Suchitra’s voice that offers difference and it works fantastically for this song. Javed Ali joins her and just for reference Suchitra and Javed Ali together sung Maham maha Maaye from Puli. Duo repeats the magic here. Lyricist Ram Jo refers to NTR’s old films and pens cool lyrics…Like the lines “Yammo Yama Dongoda..yedo cheseyi Teda”...”Asale Kantiri kurrodni..ninda Timmiri unnodni..kaadantaana nee mojulni”

యమాగ ఉందే నీ అందం 8th వండర్లా(yamaaga undE nee andam 8th wanDarlaa)

Like a typical intro, this is typical last song sung by Karunya and Malavika. A usual fast beat which is usually inserted at pre-climax like “Choododantunna..choostune untaa from Pokiri”.. It’s sad to see Karunya who sung very good solos from Khaleja, Ashok and Orange limited to this routine duet this time. Anyways nice lyrics by Ram Jo again will fill this slot.

మహిషాసుర మర్దిని...( mahiShaasura mardini...)

This is “Igiri nandini” the rendition on Goddess Durga. Manisharma fused it with good orchestra. Sri Vardhini sings it very beautifully. Movie being Fantasy film, this song would have suitable place in it. It’s good to have devotional number in commercial film as it reaches many ears now and there by refreshes our mind.

Final Say: With three awesome duets and two devotional renditions and of course two passable songs, This Album stands out. If not extra ordinary it’s worth a listen…and I am sure few songs like “Prema desam Yuvaraani” and “Surra Surrannade” will stay back with us some time more…

About the film: Film has sizzling Ileana pairing up with NTR for second time after Raakhi. She is no doubt big crowd puller. And movie directed by Meher Ramesh….who is termed as stylish director but still need to prove his mettle. AswiniDutt left no stone unturned in converting this film into costliest film till date as Movie is shot in exotic locations like Ladakh, Jaipur, Haridwar, Kullu Manali , Hampi, Badami, Egypt etc. Trailer cut released during Audio release has got mixed response and movie being fantasy; it needs to strike the chord exactly. Movie is about to release on March 30^th.

So let’s wish that it turns out be good hit.