Review: Adhinayakudu - a formula pot boiler

With political campaigning heating up in the state, thanks to the bye-polls on June 12, Balakrishna who stated that he is sending his film 'Adhinayakudu' instead of himself was in the news for its political ovetones and his alleged dialogues which were indirectly addressed at his political competitors. Did the language pay off? Not really!

The actor has sported three characters in the film - Harishchandra Prasad, Rama Krishna Prasad and Bobby. Harishchandra, a well respected leader of Rayalaseema region, plans to bring employment to his region by constructing a steel plant with the help of foreign investors.

He keeps away Rama Krishna (his son) from all his activities after misunderstanding him. However, Ramappa (Pradeep Rawat) is against this plan of Harishchandra and being a powerful faction leader he is, wipes him out. But Rama Krishna takes the mantle and turns out to be the next powerful leader.

He's just away from naming his candidates to win the elections. Politician Kota Sreenivasa Rao, who is keen on getting his party into power, tries his best to woo Rama Krishna only to see his efforts in vain. What happens next?

Director Paruchuri Murali of 'Nee Sneham' and 'Pedababu' fame goes all out for a formula that is done to the death. That itself is not a problem. The real one is the narration which is also jaded.

The director appeared to be cautious and plays it safe with no risks while balancing comedy and action in the first half with that of family drama and action in the second half.

The old fashioned script is all over the place with no regard to logic at places- Ramappa calls to tell Rama Krishna Prasad that he kidnapped Deepthi (Laxmi Rai) who is in Vizag and within no time Rama lands up to clear the field besides Bobby's introductory golf scene.

The film is clearly made in view of three characters that Balayya portrays hence the other characters appear to be underdeveloped, therefore missing the dramatic punch.

Bobby and Deepthi's romance looks contrived. Songs are neither catchy nor picturised aesthetically. Kalyani Malik can't be blamed since the director hardly creates situations for the songs to come in the first place. However, Malik compensates with his background score.

Balayya takes direct and indirect digs at his rivals. Nee koduku chesina ghanakaryam valla chala mandhi financial ga bavupaddaru (Many people benefited because of the mess created by your son), Padavi anedhi birudu kadu adhi manaku prajalu ivvali (Designation is not an award it should come to you through people) are some dialogues that are no doubt aimed at other political parties in the State.

The director with such a script succeeds in making you to sit back, thanks to his lead star and his grip over emotional sequences.
Of the cast, except for Balakrishna and Brahmanandam, none of the supporting cast which includes the likes of Jayasudha, Kota Sreenivas Rao, Pradeep Rawat, Murali Sharma and Charan Raj infuse interest.

Laxmi Rai was there for the skin show whereas Saloni comes in and leaves as a breeze. Kashi Viswanath's brief role as a central minister is laudable.

Summing up, 'Adhinayakudu' is a commercial pot boiler with the elements that the actor's fans desire of him, but for all its predictability it's definitely not a paisa vasool fare.