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Pandurangadu is a movie that dipicts the importance of
worshipping/respecting one's parents. Pundareeka ( played by Balakrishna) has
been spoilt brat and does not respect parents or elders. He is womanizer and
mistreats his parents. His parents (K Vishwanath and Shivaparvathi) are pained
by his deeds and pressurize him to get married. Rangadu is attracted to local
prostitute Amrutha (Tabu) and their relationship grows thick. On other hand,
there is Lakshmi (Sneha) who is devotee of Lord Krishna. She dreams that Lord
Krishna ordered to get married to Rangadu. Lakshmi herself comes to his home and
asks to marry her. Initially he refuses but finally accepts her as his wife.
Even after marriage he doesn’t change his vices. The rest of the film is how
Lord Krishna makes Pandurangadu realize his faults and makes him better person.
Analysis
The film tells the story of Pandurangadu, a devotee of Lord Krishna.
Based on the NTR’s classic - Panduranga Mahatyam, the movie doesn't look like
exact remake. Basic storyline is similar to that classic, yet the script
completely differs from the movie. While the classic was more about a son
repenting for mistreating his parents, Pandurangadu has dealt with 'Krishna
tatva'. And also Lord Krishna takes the cake here unlike the original.
After Annamayya and Sri Ramadasu, director K Raghavendra Rao once again comes up
with winner with Pandurangadu. His midas touch is clearly visible in the last 45
minutes of the film. The magical combination of MM Keeravani and Raghavendra Rao
works again. Indeed, Keeravani steals the show once again with extremely soulful
devotional numbers and extraordinary re-recording.
The first half is not good. One can feel boredom prior to the interval. The
movie bounces back in the last 45 - 50 minutes with a pace that never dulls a
moment there. That saves the entire movie. The first half has overdose of 'Srungaram'.
This portion of movie reaffirms the fact that 'Darshakendrudu Raghavendra Rao'
comes to his elements in executing 'devotional scenes' and 'romantic songs'.
Performances
Expectedly, Balakrishna shines in the role of Lord Krishna. Of the two roles he
played, it is Krishna's role that scores although his performance as Bhakta
towards the climax is good. But makeup (the blueness) should have been subtle.
For his age, flirting with girls is not apt and ageing is visible in his face.
Sneha has now perfected the art of suffering of a wife in films. She is
excellent. Tabu looks hot. She shows off her assets more than required in a very
important role of a prostitute. You get to see plenty of cleavage in the movie.
Mohan Babu in a small role is good. K Vishwanath and others have done justice to
the role. Raghavendra Rao should have concentrated more on the aspect of
casting.
Technically, there is only one person’s work that dominates throughout the movie
- Keeravani's. Simply, he is marvelous. Added to his great swaras, lyrics
compliment them perfectly. Suddala Ashok Teja's touching lyrics in
Matrodevobhava and Chandrabose's romantic numbers deserve special praise.
Malayalam singer Madhu Gopala Krishna’s rendition has brought freshness. Music
is backbone to the movie.
Bottom-line
Balakrishna's fans can finally heave sigh of the relief. K Raghavendra Rao and M
M Keeravani's magical combination works again. Last 45 minutes and music are
Pandurangadu's biggest strengths. Balakrishna shines in the role of Lord
Krishna. While the first half has overdose of 'glamour' (cleavage show), second
half has elevated the movie. On the whole it is worth watching for post-interval
episodes and excellent songs.
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