Rating: 2.7/5
The film, “Bhagavanth Kesari,” hit theaters today, and we’ll explore what it has to offer in this review from one of the US premieres.
Plot Summary:
The story revolves around Bhagavanth Kesari (Balakrishna), an ex-convict who becomes the guardian of Vijji Papa (Sreeleela) after her police officer father’s sudden death. Bhagavanth aims to fulfill her father’s wish by encouraging Vijji to join the military, but she resists. Trouble arises for Vijji due to a conspiracy involving a ruthless businessman, Rahul Sanghvi (Arjun Rampal). This sets Bhagavanth Kesari on a collision course with Rahul Sanghvi, a longstanding rival. The film delves into the conflict between these two characters and its resolution.
Performances:
Balakrishna takes on a different role from his usual choices, portraying an older character with a blend of temper and humor. His Telangana accent and dialogues suit the role well. Sreeleela is a suitable choice for her character, even though she starts off somewhat passively but grows stronger in the latter part of the film. Kajal Aggarwal’s role is limited, primarily as a psychologist, and Arjun Rampal, while a new addition to Telugu cinema as a villain, doesn’t stand out as his character aligns with the typical Bollywood villains.
Technical Aspects:
The film’s music, especially the songs, is a letdown. Background music remains ordinary until the pre-climax and climax sequences, where it elevates the tension. Cinematography showcases good use of color tones and impressive frames, especially during action scenes. The action sequences are well choreographed, but the screenplay could have been tighter.
Positives:
– Balakrishna’s performance
– Sreeleela’s portrayal
– Dialogues
– Action sequences
Negative:
– Weak portrayal of the villain
– A slow and uneventful first 40 minutes
– Unimpressive songs
Analysis:
“Bhagavanth Kesari” showcases a trend in which senior heroes take age-appropriate roles, and Balakrishna follows suit but with his unique style, demonstrating that he is a director’s actor.
The first half of the film starts somewhat slowly, with a mostly flat narrative. The usual high-energy moments associated with Balakrishna’s movies are notably absent until the pre-interval point. The subplot involving Balakrishna and Kajal lacks excitement. However, the story picks up momentum with a particular episode, maintaining a steady narrative until the intermission. The pre-interval and interval scenes are well-executed.
The second half, on the other hand, is more engaging. It begins on a high note with an action-packed appearance by Balakrishna. The flashback episode is a highlight, and the surprise elements are handled effectively. The vintage Balakrishna background music adds a nostalgic touch, and the dialogues, while not over-the-top, give Balakrishna’s character strength both in words and action. However, the confrontation scenes between Bhagavanth Kesari and Rahul Sanghvi lack the desired intensity. The villain’s storyline follows a somewhat common path involving drug trafficking, corrupt politicians, and party funds.
Overall, “Bhagavanth Kesari” offers a straightforward story with a fresh characterization of Balakrishna. It doesn’t fit the mold of a typical Balakrishna movie or a typical Anil Ravipudi film but strikes a balance between the two. This fusion could appeal to a family audience as well as Balakrishna’s fans. While the film lacks major plot twists or consistent goosebump moments, it delivers thrilling action sequences, emotional moments between Sreeleela and Balakrishna, and a few impressive action scenes.
