BOTTOM LINE
A Decent Fantasy Drama
OUR RATING
2.75/5
CENSOR
‘UA’
What Is the Film About?
Bimbisara (Kalyan Ram) is a cruel and ruthless king of Trigartala. He has a twin brother Devadatta (Kalyan Ram), who is kind and benevolent. Bimbisara is magically ported to the current time after a scuffle between the brothers.
How does Bimbisara, now in the current world, adjusts to it? His change of heart is the movie’s core story.
Performances
When it comes to performances, it is a one-man show by Kalyan Ram. It does take time to get used to the body language and heavy dialogues, but soon one gets adjusted. The actor gets to don two different characters and pulls it off neatly.
Effort-wise, Kalyan Ram has given his hundred percent, and that’s the best thing about the act. Any appreciation coming his way, therefore, is deserved for the effort.
Catherine Tresa and Samyuktha Menon play the female leads. They look good, but there is nothing to speak about performance-wise. They are mere fillers and are seen before or after the some scenes and songs.
Analysis
Vassishta makes his directorial debut with Bimbisara. He has picked an exciting folklore subject for the first attempt and given it a fantasy twist usually seen with the Yama movies in Telugu.
There is a long tradition of Yama Dharma Raju based movies in Telugu cinema. Many elements from those movies have become standard tropes over the years. In Bimbisara, Vassishta cleverly mixes those tropes in a typical folklore setting that involves a big kingdom and twin brothers as heirs.
It is this Yama fantasy element redesigned with an evil king trope that works for Bimbisara. Right from the start, one is hooked due to the smooth screenplay. It is despite the various visible deficiencies in execution and content. One can feel it more in the first half.
Things take a good turn in the second half, after an intriguing interval that connects the two timelines. What happens later continues to hold attention even though some of it might look illogical if one thinks about it.
The treasure and young girl tracks are neatly integrated into the story. The screenplay further adds strength to the proceedings, and finally, the changing character arc of Bimbisara does the trick.
Amidst all these, one feels that a strong villain could have enhanced the drama and escalated the conflict further, though. When the whole thing is over, despite all that has happened, we remember nothing (and feel nothing) except Kalyan Ram. His characterisations are well done, and that helps sail things through.
Overall, Bimbisara works mainly due to the story that presents old tropes freshly and a smooth screenplay. They hold the attention, and that’s a job well done. Give the movie a try if you like folklore tales. There is an additional tweak to it, which helps, however, have the expectations in check.
Performances by Others Actors
Bimbisara has a host of artists playing bits and pieces roles. They are all forgettable. We have the likes of Tanikella Bharani, Prakash Raj, etc., but none have an impactful role.
Srinivas Reddy playing the comedian is alright. Vennela Kishore is wasted, whereas Brahmaji is okay. The rest of the cast, which includes the antagonist, is adequate and serviceable at best.
Music and Other Departments?
MM Keeravani provides the music for the movie. The veteran has become the go-to musician for period and folklore ventures like Bimbisara. He does well on the background score. It is adequate. However, when it comes to the songs, they could have been better. It also doesn’t help cause the placement (item song, for example) is also poor.
Chota K Naidu’s cinematography also belongs to the adequate category. There is an apparent effect of the budget on it. Tammi Raju’s editing is fine in that he helps create a clutter-free narrative. The writing is passable. The visual effects could have been better, as we can see tackiness on screen. The artwork and graphics (the kingdom) in parts are good.
Highlights?
Folklore Story
Screenplay
Kalyan Ram
Drawbacks?
Weak Antagonist
Patchy In Parts
All characters have zero impact except hero
Alternative Take
In the end, Bimbisara feels very a simplistic tale with a folklore background. It would have been further impactful with more drama and a powerful villain.
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes in parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, with reservations
Bimbisara Movie Review by M9News
Final Report:
The fantasy time travel element holds things together and gives a fresh appeal to Bimbisara. The story, therefore, makes the movie a one-time watch despite some patchy parts.
— Bimbisara second half started. Bimbi is now leading a different life as a normal person. The story shifts between two time lines.
First Half Report:
Bimbisara begins on an exciting note but doesn’t quite maintain it. Still, it’s a passable watch in the first half, and everything now depends on the second half to see where it ends.
— Second Kalyan Ram has been introduced and the story shifts to current. Bimbisara lands in Hyderabad.
— The first song is similar to a regular item number with a heavy dose of glamour show.
— Bimbisara starts on an interesting note, introducing its lead. The VFX work is visible from the beginning itself. Story shifts to current.
Bimbisara USA Premiere will begin shortly. Stay tuned to the report.
Bimbisara Pre-Release Talk:
Bimbisara is the new film of Nandamuri Kalyan Ram. It is his first outing after a gap and introduces a new director, Vassishta, to Telugu cinema. The period cum time-travel epic movie hits the screens all over on August 5th worldwide.
First, the theatrical trailer and the story idea involving the mixture of past and present have worked for the target mass audience. There is a curiosity about the story, which is the movie’s biggest USP. Debutant Vassishta has scored here in grabbing the attention.
Apart from the story, the banner Nandamuri Arts is known for new subjects and themes. Bimbisara is the latest addition to the list. Kalyan Ram, with a debut director on the home banner, has been a recipe for success. Who can forget Athanokkade and Pataas?
The trade is hoping that Bimbisara is another addition to the list and will end the dry run at the box office in Telugu states. More than anyone else, a success here will be a big boost to Kalyan Ram, though.
Bimbisara stars Catherine Tresa and Samyuktha Menon as the female leads. Vennela Kishore, Brahmaji and Srinivas Reddy play other critical roles. MM Keeravani provides the music to the period cum contemporary tale.
M9News, as always, will bring you the ‘First-On-Net’ Bimbisara review genuinely and honestly. Watch this space for our updates.
Bimbisara Movie Review by M9News
