Movie Review: Srimanthudu
Rating: 3.25
Cast: Mahesh Babu, Shruti Haasan, Jagapathi Babu, Rajendra Prasad, Sukanya, Rahul Ravindran, Poorna, Ali, Vennela Kishore, Mukesh Rushi and Sampath Raj.
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Cinematography: Madhie
Direction: Koratala Siva
Release Date: 7th of August, 2015

Generally, Expectations will be humongous for any Superstar's new release. If someone like Mahesh Babu joins hands with 'blockbuster' director Koratala Siva, Only sky will be the limit for hype around the project and 'Srimanthudu' is one such film. What about the Box Office outcome? Did Prince broke the flop jinx? Let's see...

Synopsis:

Harsha (Mahesh Babu) is the legal heir of Rs 25,000 crore fortune owned by his Father Ravikanth (Jagapathi Babu). Instead of inheriting the family owned wealth, He goes in search of earning some respect for himself from the society by doing his bit to the needy people. In the process, He meets few people and how it brought fulfillment to his life forms the rest of the story.

Performances:

Mahesh Babu, an actor par-excellence, has never done a film like 'Srimanthudu' with so many variations in his character. We get to see him as a Rich Kid, College Student, Lover Boy, A Man who cares for his Family and Pays back to the Society. What's important is exhibiting all the emotions superbly on the screen and Superstar is just flawless in this aspect. His characterization is something no one would expect in a Star Hero's commercial flick.

Shruti Haasan's glamour overdose dominates her decent performance here and she dances superbly in almost all the songs. Jagapathi Babu is apt as a rich dad who can't figure out his son's thought process. Rajendra Prasad performed so well in a role with substance. Sukanya & Subbarau does small roles. Ali & Vennela Kishore haven't succeeded much in keeping the viewers in splits. Rahul Ravindran is fine. Mukesh Rushi, Sampath Raj & Harish are perfectly cast. Poorna sizzles in the Rama Rama dance number.

Pros:

Mahesh's Outstanding Performance

Siva's Writing

DSP's BGM

Pre-Climax

Cons:

Run Time (163 Minutes)

Entertainment Values

Technicalities:

Devi Sri Prasad's Music is soothing and Background Score is pulsating. Madhie's Cinematography is pleasing to eyes and created the right mood required for the scenes. Prakash's Art Direction is another asset. Koratala Siva's Dialogues hit the right chord with the audience. Raju Sundaram's Choreography is so nice. Stunts are designed well. As Director, Koratala Siva once again proves his calibre by blending hard-hitting emotions with commercial elements perfectly. Editing is strictly okay. Production Values of Mythri Movies & MB are simply the best.

Analysis:

'Srimanthudu' has everything in right proportions...A Beautiful Love Story, Heroism Elevating Scenes and Heart-Touching Sentiment. What worked for the film is taut screenplay and convincing visuals that keep the audience hooked to the screens. The caption 'Simple but Beautiful' perfectly suits the movie.

Koratala Siva believed in the content so much that he strictly followed what's necessary to convey the novel point to the audience rather than including some forced comedy. It's because of this reason the film will be high on content and low on entertainment values. Due to the long run time, Viewers get the feeling that the film is slow paced. It runs in a routine/predictable commercial format in the second half except for few twists and the lengthy Climax is a bit let down.
 
College Backdrop Scenes, Flashback Episode, Village Adoption Sequence, Emotional Scenes in Pre-Climax and Action Block in Mango Farm are the highlights of 'Srimanthudu'. Lastly, 'Srimanthudu' is a film with content & a purpose.    

Bottomline: A Must Watch!