BOTTOM LINE
Adurs Partly, Bedurs Mostly
OUR RATING
2/5
CENSOR
U/A, 2h 29m
What Is the Film About?
Set in Bedurulanka, a fictitious village surrounded by water, in 2012, Bedurulanka 2012 deals with the fears of people as prophesy the end of the world is coming near.
Sensing the general ominous atmosphere, Bhushanam (Ajay Ghosh) devices a plan to cash in on the sentiments. The movie’s plot is how Shiva (Karthikeya), a well-educated guy from the village returning from the city, faces the heat and eventually brings everyone to their senses.
Performances
Karthikeya comes back with a fresh subject after a small gap. He plays a typical fun-loving youth who stands up for what he feels is right and wouldn’t compromise on his values.
The attitude and ease in body language are there, which helps the part, but the role itself doesn’t offer much. It is mostly a passive one with some elevation in between. Karthikeya breezes through them. However, he doesn’t have any meat to it to make it memorable.
Neha Shetty, previously seen in a trendy modern get-up in a city-based flick, plays a village girl in Bedurulanka 2012. She looks fine, but one can’t help but feel that the terrain doesn’t suit her much. She has nothing much to do here, though and towards the end, the makers silently get her back to her urban avatar.
Analysis
Clax writes and directs Bedurulanka 2012. He has come up with a unique concept and setting centred around the prophecy of the world ending in 2012.
The beginning of Bedurulanka 2012 is exciting and entertaining. The introduction of various characters and the world looks natural and instantly draws us in. It overcomes the issues with visuals in the process and other sketchiness in the narrative.
What works is the characters, the writing, and the fun that comes with them. The punches related to the different parts land well.
However, the story and its connection with the hero aren’t established properly for a long time. He comes across as a passive character around whom this whole scam is happening. It doesn’t relate to him until it comes to him around the pre-interval mark. It makes the first half look weak despite a strong introduction block. The romantic track adds to the boredom with its predictability.
The interval bang, too, doesn’t have much to talk about. Again, what holds the attention is the curiosity to see where things are headed. It is only because of the unique setting and theme taken by the director.
The second half begins on a very ordinary note with predictable and cliched emotions. The absence of hero also has its effect. It is only when he enters the scene that momentum is finally generated.
The ending involving the pre-climax and climax is where the real meat of the movie lies. It is a chaotic yet fun block involving multiple characters. The comedy works, but one can’t shake off the feeling of a messy narrative. It is mainly due to the convoluted drama. The focus put on the fun isn’t reflected similarly in the theme. It looks rushed, missing the solid impact.
It reminds us of another similar doomsday-themed film from Telugu a couple of years ago. The chaos, quirky characters and lengthy convoluted drama give a familiar vibe. However, there is nothing else in common, as the religious angle plays a huge role here. One might even be offended by the portrayal in the movie. That is why the message at the end needs a strong, convincing tone. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
Overall, Bedurulanka 2012 has a unique theme with a decent beginning and ending. The middle portions drag along the expected lines, offering routine content, and convoluted drama. Try it if you like to watch something different but have low expectations.
Performances by Others Actors
There is a long supporting cast in the movie. Leading them from the front is Ajay Ghosh. His unique expressions and presence add perfectly to the role he plays. It helps him have a bigger impact. Srikanth Iyengar, Auto Ram Prasad and Raj Kumar Kasireddy follow him. Everyone gets a block to shine, and they do the necessary.
Vennela Kishore and Sathya appear in smaller parts but deliver the required. The latter has an impressive start but gets relegated to the background. The former gets better as the narrative progresses. Goparaju Raman is his usual self. The rest of the cast is adequate for their roles.
Music and Other Departments?
Mani Sharma’s songs don’t appeal much, even though they have a good sound around them. The background score shines with its quirky and unique vibe. The cinematography should have been better. The movie has a washed-out look throughout. Similarly, the editing adds to the convolutedness. The writing has its moments, as comedy works in parts.
Highlights?
Core Concept
Beginning
Ending
Intermittent Dialogue-Based Fun
Drawbacks?
Convoluted Narrative
Double Entendre Bits, At Times
Religious Head Portrayals (For Few)
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Huge Reservations
Bedurulanka 2012 Movie Review by M9