Movie Review - "Anaganaga O Dheerudu" (Telugu) *Siddharth, Shruti Haasan, Lakshmi Manchu

Disclaimer – This post comes from an author whose knowledge of the language isn’t expert. Although I could understand most of what was going on-screen, I did find it a little difficult to catch up with some of the dialogues. So, my review is purely based on my approval and liking of the concept & narration, performances and other production values.

For someone who grew up watching Beauty & the beast, Lion King, Snow White among other animated Disney flicks, Disney’s new venture ‘ANAGANAGA O DHEERUDU’, offering a chance to reconnect with childhood fantasies of the handsome prince and the ‘happily ever after’ ending was more than welcome. That it was being done in Telugu as a commercial fantasy film was the cherry on top. So, let's indulge in the four magic words: Once upon a time or in this case ‘once upon a Warrior’

Evil queen Irendri (Lakshmi Manchu) wishes to attain mortality, which she can achieve by sacrificing the life of Moksha (Harshita), a special child with healing powers. Blind warrior Yodha (Siddharth) is entrusted with protecting Moksha. Yodha has a past involving love interest Priya (Shruti). While his foremost duty is to ensure Moksha’s safety, he also needs to unravel an unknown connection between Irendri and Priya.

The principal casting of Yodha has been subject to debate from the start owing to Siddharth’s polished persona and lean frame. Post viewing AOD, comparisons with an earlier ‘Dheera’ are likely from certain sections of the audience. In my opinion, it’s all futile. Though they both come terrifically close to portraying warriors, there couldn’t have been more clearly distinguished traits between the two. Let me make it clear, I’m no big Siddharth fan as some others I know, & I consider RDB to be his best movie. However as Yodha, Siddharth is charisma personified. The ease with which he transforms from a lover to a warrior to a guardian is remarkable. His playfulness with the sword is delightful, mischievous body language helps elevate his character in the non-action reels & the fact that he is bouncy, light on his feet, assures that action sequences don’t come across as forced or comical.

 

For Shruti Haasan, I have two words ‘WELCOME BACK’. She is the most gorgeous gypsy I have seen and she does wonders to her role as Priya with her innocent fluttering eye glances, tease and allure. If I were Yodha I would have fallen for her too! Without stressing, I can state that chemistry between the leads is sizzling and the no-frills love episode is pure joy to watch.

Harshita as Moksha is confident, subtle, ascends gradually with pace of the movie, but sadly apart from being a base for the movie and typically child-in-distress, there isn’t much scope for her to perform. Wish her role was given a stronger depth and she was allowed to showcase her talent a tad bit more.

Finally, most-admired of the lot – IRENDRI! An incredible debut by Lakshmi Manchu. Madam, I bow to thee. She oozes the right measure of wickedness, coupled with strong gait, gigantic build up and great screen presence. Her cold, conceited attitude ingeniously complimented by a baritone, dialogue delivery that can make many celebrated villains feel pale in comparison. It helps that the bad person here is played by the fairer sex, sorry men; but we do have an edge in the evil department, atleast on film. Additionally, an extra word to her makeup artists, who have done a fabulous job at accentuating her sheer dramatic image.

Another character I want to give a special mention is the hair-snake or the Serpentine Myra that orders? /advises? Irendri’s character. Done with a personality that can make live- action stars feel inferior, it zigzag’s through its mistress’s tresses, kisses, flirts, cringes, hisses with pantomime that’s chilling and intimidating. Hats off to whoever thought of that. Pure genius!

Anaganaga O Dheerudu runs on the basic premise of ‘Good wins over Evil’. It brings back the early '90s animation/cartoon reminiscence with Disney’s flourish and soul. It has all the staples - a kingdom, palace, royalty, a skilled swordsman, an unfinished love and a curse. Director Prakash Kovelamudi has taken immense creative liberties owing to the film belonging to the fantasy genre. It’s the director’s debut in a full-length mainstream movie; this naïveté shows in the form of disjointed narrative and diversions into excessive supporting characters. Prakash should have gone an extra length in sharpening the three ladies personalities instead of adorning the movie with subplots of Ali, Brahmanandam, Bharani etc. Though each does their casual bit, apart from evoking a few giggles, they are completely out of place. If they were put in to pull a few tricks, entertain the kids, I doubt that worked. The less said about these unwanted 'Arabian Night' typecasts the better. Where I was hoping to see an adventure–laden journey with gripping anecdotes, fiery conversations and heightened emotions; AOD doesn’t use its best resources to the hilt. In aiming to be wholesome in all areas, it merely touches the chords of action, drama, emotion but never manages to reach its full potential.

The music, BGM of the film is enjoyable & my admiration for tracks, Ninnu Choodani & Premalekha in particular is known. However like I always stress, it’s one thing to have a chartbuster soundtrack, but it’s highly important to place it correctly in the film. Disappointingly, AOD fails miserably in this aspect. Although shot generously well, Ninnu Choodani & Pralaya were totally preventable and slowed down the tempo of the film. On the upside, +1 for the opening credits.

The only way AOD overcomes its shortfalls is credit to its pure technical virtuosity. Visually, AOD is a treat, with its near-perfect marriage of VFX plus traditional Disney’s glorious magnificence and color.  Be it the tear drop kingdom of Angarajyam, the butterfly effect, the rise of the great serpentine, or its dissociation into a gazillion little snakes, every reel dedicated to the visuals, made me feel like a happy lost child at Disney Land. Truly one of the richest works in Indian Cinema.

'Anaganaga O Dheerudu' starts ambitiously, but its stellar performances are handicapped by rapidly changing fragmented chapters. Part of the films scenes may not be kiddies stuff, but like most of its movies, Disney’s fantasy tale touches different levels and might appeal in portions to multiple age groups. The film is close to being exceptional but with its limitations and an even more flimsy ending, it will have to settle for pretty good. Yet pretty good enough to watch in the theatres for sure. Recommended.