Film: Maska
Cast: Ram, Hansika, Sheela, Sunil, Mukesh Rishi, Pradeep Rawat, Naresh..
Story: Surya
Dialogues: Parachuri Brothers
Music: Chakri
Lyrics: Kandikonda
Cinematography: Sekhar V Joseph
Editing: Kotagiri Venkateshwara Rao
Choreography: Prem Rakshit
Fights: Ram Lakshman
Screenplay and produced by: M.S.Raju
Directed by: B.Gopal
Release date: Jan 14, 2009
CBFC Rating: U/A

What’s it about?

Politicians Simhachalam (Mukesh Rishi) and Shayaji Shinde (Pradeep Rawat) both fight for a ministerial berth. Knowing that it is impossible to beat Simhachalam, Shayaji Shinde plans to kill his daughter who resides in Hyderabad. On other hand, an educated unemployee Krish aka Jagarlamudi Krishnakant (Ram) woos Simhachalam’s daughter Manju (Sheela) in the hope that if he gets married to her, his life would be settled. With the help of his friend (Sunil) he knows about her likes and dislikes and impresses her. In a funny incident, a girl’s bio-data lands in his hands. Krish uses her photo and identity to impress Manju saying that he is in love with Meenu but she is more interested in settling in USA, so he left her. Few days later, Meenu really turns up. Now, Krish does the same tricks that he applied for Manju to woo Meenu. The rest of the movie is all about who really Meenu is and with whom Krish finally gets married to.

Analysis

Producer M.S.Raju and director B.Gopal have teamed up for the first time for Maska. This unusual combination of ‘Mass’ and ‘Class’ works out thanks to smart packaging. Though the story is not a great shake, Ram’s performance and spellbinding dance moments, well-choreographed action episodes, music, and comedy are packaged well. The playful romance between Ram and Hansika, Ram and Sheela also holds the viewer’s interest and is also appealing. In simple terms, the movie is a pucca masala entertainer with right mix of everything - comedy, fights, romance and good dance numbers.

The film utilizes Ram’s main strengths - high energetic dances and action sequences - to the core. M.S.Raju brand of soft romance and comedy is evident throughout the movie as well as the director B.Gopal’s style of mass elements with blasting of Scorpios are thrown in too.

On the down side, the film lacks punch towards the end. And the turns and twists towards the end is a bit too much to digest. Hero’s romantic play with two heroines is also not a novel point. And several scenes are copied or inspired from lots of old movies and Korean and Hollywood flicks.

Performances

Ram looks so confident in his role. It is his show all the way and he is at home in the role of a guy who gives maska to everyone for his benefit. His astonishing dance moments and action sequences are a treat to watch. After NTR and Allu Arjun, he is the best dancer in Tollywood now. He is really amazing in ‘Maska..Meri Jaan’ and “Maaro Maaro” songs.

Hansika, in her slim avatar, is ravishingly beautiful. Her looks are bewitching. Sheela does a very glam role in this film compared to her previous movies. She does succeed too. Sunil as Ram’s friend does a very lengthy role and provides enough entertainment. Pradeep Rawat and Mukesh Rishi are okay. Jhansi in her Nellore slang does neat job. Dharmavarapu’s episode is also funny.

Technically the film is slick thanks to Sekhar V Joseph’s catching visuals. Chakri’s songs are another asset. He has given music that is foot-tapping. Editing by Kotagiri is neat. The film has lavish production values and shot at various picturesque locations in Europe.

Splendid action stunts by Ram L akshman are major attraction. They deserve special mention. Senior director B.Gopal’s touch is clearly visible in action episodes. M.S.Raju’s screenplay provides enough of entertainment (Sunil’s character) and romance to cater to the youth.

Bottom-line!

Maska is pucca masala entertainer. It doesn’t pretend on that. It is good time-pass movie with right mix of action, foot-tapping numbers and comedy. Though it doesn’t boast of a solid script, Maska is worth a watch for its packaging.