BOTTOM LINE
Lifeless and Monotonous
RATING
1.75/5
CENSOR
U/A, 2h 8m
What Is the Film About?
Kamsaraju (Devadatta Nage) is a powerful guy who does and gets whatever he wants. He is also a strict believer in astrology and follows all the rituals said by priests. On one such visit to Kashi, an Aghora tells him a prophecy.
What did Aghora say? How does Krishna fit into the world and scheme of things of Kamsaraju? The basic story is whether the prophecy comes true or not.
Performances
Ashok Galla goes for a massy makeover in his second attempt. It is fine with the bearded look and an aggressive attitude mixed with fun. However, these are all surface-level changes, and we don’t see any depth in the actual act.
Satya is decent in traditional dresses and gives a pleasant smile that evokes a warm feeling. It’s the best thing about her and the personality of the character she says.
Analysis
The movie is predictable from the word go. The narrative, too, doesn’t shield it away in any way. We know where things are headed right at the start. What’s imperative, then, is the screenplay is tight, and the proceedings are engaging so that the biggest issue is covered. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen.
We have umpteen predictable stories in Telugu cinema especially when the subject is mass entertainer type. The packaging is neatly done in such projects and several blocks distract us from the predictability and manage to entertain for the time being by overcoming the issues.
Devaki Nandana Vasudeva offers nothing of that kind. We have a routine story that goes about the proceedings routinely checking all the expected boxes. The star introduction elevating the hero, the first contact of the lead pair and the subsequent meeting evoking empathy for the hero. We have everything by the books. What’s worse is even they are executed decently, but the desired impact is no where to be seen.
Things continue in the same vein until the pre-interval block. There is a small twist here which is definitely unexpected. And it also suggests an inspiration from a Hollywood flick, but it works out in this context as well.
But, the twist isn’t something that changes the expectations wholly or makes one forget all that happened before. In fact, it doesn’t change the mindset for the post-intermission sequences to follow.
As expected, nothing changes after the interval and things turn more routine than previously, and they continue that way and become progressively worse. It’s as if the story and writing department has given up and didn’t try to freshen up anything and just continue with the routine to the t. Everything feels contrived rather than organic.
The climax, after all that happens, is the cringest part of the narrative where the formulaic narrative hits like a ton of bricks. When we look back, the run time is actually less compared to a lot of films coming out today, but the fact that it still feels very lengthy suggests what is basically wrong with the movie.
Devaki Nandana Vasudev is not a film a newcomer like Ashok Galla should attempt. It’s a double failure, packed with painfully routine commercial elements and and absolutely zero fresh appeal.
Performances by Others Actors
Devadatta Nage, Devayani, and Jhansi are the other actors besides the hero who get decent characters. The latter two, especially do all the emotional heavy lifting with their dramatic acts. Devadatta Nage’s physicality is used greatly to create a powerful personality. If only the character had similar depth to utilise his acting skills.
The biggest disappointment with the movie is the presence of Getup Seenu and then not having anything given to him. He appears initially and then disappears or is relegated to the backseat doing nothing and just being part of a scene. The rest of the cast doesn’t register.
Music and Other Departments?
Bheema Ciciroleo provides the music and the background score for the movie. The music director known for his energetic tracks has attempted something different here, i.e. venturing into the divine side. There isn’t anything memorable, though. The background score, too, is forgettable.
The cinematography could have been better. The setting and background had scope, but everything appeared ordinary (within the commercial space). The editing is alright given the content. The writing had moments during certain parts, but nothing generally went out of the routine zone. The production values are okay.
Highlights?
Interval Twist
Beginning
Few Dialogues (Aghora Character)
Drawbacks?
Utterly Routine Narrative
Zero Surprises (Barring Interval)
Routine Drama
Second Half
Climax
Did I Enjoy It?
No
Will You Recommend It?
No
Devaki Nandana Vasudeva Movie Review by M9
