Movie Review: Rudramadevi

Rating: 2.75

Cast: Anushka, Allu Arjun, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Krishnam Raju, Nithya Menon, Catherine Tresa, Hamsa Nandini, Vikramjith, Ajay, Suman, Aditya Menon.

Art Direction: Thota Tharani

Cinematography: Ajay Vincent

Music: Ilayaraja

Story/Screenplay/Producer/Direction: Gunasekhar

Release Date: 9th October, 2015

'Rudramadevi', a historical flick made on a mammoth scale, is releasing Today even before film lovers could get rid of the 'Baahubali' hangover. Ever since the project went on floors, Gunasekhar faced several hurdles at various stages and he some how succeeded in releasing the movie three years after the launch. Did 'Rudramadevi' match the high standards set by 'Baahubali'? Let's see...

Synopsis:

Kakatiya Dynasty of Orugallu is being ruled by King Ganapati Devudu (Krishnam Raju) who don't have a successor to him. At the time when the people of the Kingdom were praying for the male successor, The King's Wife gives birth to a Baby Girl (Rudramadevi). As per the advice of Minister Shiva Devayya (Prakash Raj), Ganapati Devudu officially declares Rudramadevi as Prince Rudra Devudu to lift the spirits of the people and also to overcome the possible threats from rivals, Devagiri dynasty. Since then, Rudramadevi's upbringing is no different from a Warrior Prince. When did People of Kakatiya Dynasty come to know that their so-called Prince is actually a Girl? Was Rudramadevi able to take up the reins from his Father Ganapati Devudu & become a Great Ruler?

Performances:

Anushka is perfect for the role of 'Rudramadevi' but she couldn't impress with her performance. Even the way she wields the sword in war scenes isn't impactful. She did score brownie points with her glamour, especially in songs and romantic scenes. Director should have taken much more care in designing her role in a powerful manner.

Allu Arjun as Gona Ganna Reddy is the saving grace of 'Rudramadevi'. His new avatar, body language and Telangana dialect entertains the audience big time. He makes every minute count and overshadows Anushka effortlessly.

Rana Daggubati's role as Chalukya Veerabadrudu wasn't etched well. Krishnam Raju as Naga Devudu is alright. Prakash Raj as Shiva Devayya is perfectly cast and he does a great job. Nithya Menon shines in small yet significant role. Vikram Jeet as Villain is just okay. Catherine Tresa and Hansa Nandini fill the glamour slots. Rest of the actors have done justice to their roles.

Pros:

Story

Allu Arjun

Cons:

Songs

Screenplay

Editing

Technicalities:

Ilayaraja's Music isn't so effective. The melodies composed by him aren't in sync with the mood of the film. Background Score is exceptional in few scenes and below par in some parts. Ajay Vincent's Camera Work is fabulous. Art Direction by Thota Tharani is marvelous. Neeta Lulla's Constumes deserves a praise. Dialogue penned by Paruchuri Brothers and Rajasimha were good. Sreekar Prasad's Editing is neat but the director should have given him enough freedom to chop at least few lengthy/unnecessary scenes. The film could have been easily trimmed by at least 15 to 20 minutes. End Result could have been different had if the director taken enough care in Screenplay. Production Values are grand and Gunasekhar has done as much as he can.

Analysis:

Gunasekhar approached Jr NTR to play the role of Gona Ganna Reddy in 'Rudramadevi'. Tarak, however, insisted the Director to make it a hero-oriented subject with Gona Ganna Reddy as the central character for getting his nod. Guna reveals this untold secret and claimed he made 'Rudramadevi' the way he wanted. Post watching the movie, One gets the feeling Gunasekhar has made a mistake by ignoring the valuable advice.

In the Climax, Gona Ganna Reddy comes to the rescue of Rudramadevi when Opponents round up her in the battle field. This particular sequence gives a feeling Allu Arjun not only saved Princess Rudramadevi but also the whole movie from becoming a disaster with his clap-worthy performance.

Its never easy to make historical films as there is reference for everything and you can't deviate from what happened in reality. Where as, There will be no limitations for a fictional story like 'Baahubali'. Gunasekhar has taken up the challenge inspite of being aware of the huge risk but failed to come up with a taut screenplay. Except for Gona Ganna Reddy's role, There is nothing much in 'Rudramadevi' to excite the audience and no one could understand why the Director didn't take cinematic liberties while designing other roles including that of Rudramadevi.

First Half of 'Rudramadevi' gives a nice feeling with fabulous introduction sequence of Gona Ganna Reddy. Of course, The Romantic Track of Rana and Anushka fail to hit the right chord. Screenplay in Second Half and Lethargic Pace act as spoilers. Pre-Climax and Climax War Field Sequences in 'Rudramadevi' remind us of 'Baahubali'. Unfortunately, The Historical Film is no way comparable to the breath-taking action blocks in Rajamouli's directorial and it's a disappointing aspect. On a whole, Gunasekhar failed to establish the greatness of 'Rudramadevi' on the screen but entertains to some extent with Gona Ganna Reddy.

Bottom Line: Watch it for Gona Ganna Reddy!