Balakrishna, after delivering resounding hits like "Akhanda" and "Veera Simha Reddy," is all set to captivate movie enthusiasts once again with "Bhagavanth Kesari." The teaser and trailer of the film have already garnered positive responses from eager moviegoers. Now, the question that lingers is whether Anil Ravipudi's endeavor to portray Balakrishna in a unique and distinct light will prove to be a resounding success. The anticipation surrounding the film's release is palpable, and audiences are eager to witness this exciting cinematic venture.
Story:
"Bhagavanth Kesari," portrayed by Balakrishna, has a profound motivation behind his unwavering determination to transform Vijji Papa, affectionately raised by him, into a resilient and empowered young woman. His relentless insistence on her joining the army becomes a point of vehement contention between them, as Vijji Papa vehemently opposes this life-altering decision. Eventually, she takes a momentous step to part ways with Bhagavanth Kesari, leading her into a series of unforeseen challenges and dangers.
Amidst these developments, the film intricately weaves in the enigmatic industrialist Rahul Sanghvi, portrayed by Arjun Rampal, into the narrative and the connection to Nelakonda. The story unfolds to reveal the intricate connections between Vijji Papa, Bhagavanth Kesari, and Rahul Sanghvi, and introduces the pivotal role played by psychologist Kathyayani, portrayed by Kajal Agarwal. The dynamics and relationships between these characters form the heart of the story, driving the narrative forward with suspense and intrigue.
Analysis:
Natasimha Balakrishna effortlessly embraced his role, undergoing a striking transformation that showcased a subdued demeanor in stark contrast to his usual aggressive characters. His portrayal impressed, as he expertly conveyed the emotions of a compassionate individual willing to go to great lengths to protect his loved ones. Balakrishna's body language was particularly noteworthy, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Balakrishna deserves immense acclaim and the admiration of all for his bold departure from the norm, as he embraces a role that gracefully aligns with his age and stage in his career. His remarkable ability to temper his usually fiery nature and breathe life into this character is truly commendable.
Sreeleela's performance was impeccable in her pivotal role, portraying a spirited young woman grappling with anxiety issues. Her on-screen emotive range was impressive, adapting to various situations with nuanced expressions. Audiences, especially Sreeleela's fans, were pleasantly surprised by her proficiency in action sequences.
Arjun Rampal, in his Tollywood debut, delivered a performance that suited his character, which bore a resemblance to Raghuvaran in Rajinikanth's "Basha." He showed good impact and the scenes involving him and Balakrishna took the film to the next level. Kajal's limited screen time was executed well as she impressed with her looks and glamor. Her scenes with Balakrishna evoked a few laughs and entertained viewers. Sarath Kumar, Muralidhar Gowd, and John Vijay made their presence felt.
Anil Ravipudi fulfilled his promise of presenting Balakrishna in a completely novel light. He deftly toned down the excessive aggression and over-the-top scenes often associated with the actor. The first half of the film primarily emphasized the emotional bond between Balakrishna and Sreeleela, reserving the intense action for the pre-interval and interval sequences, which was a delightful surprise for Balakrishna's fans.
Anil Ravipudi stuck to his mission to send a good message to society through Balakrishna and he emerged successful in his attempt. In the first half, though Balakrishna is seen in an entertaining manner, he is seen sending a good message to society with his dialogues with Sreeleela and during the match-fixing episode.
The latter part of the film maintained a consistent and brisk pace. Once Balakrishna's flashback involving Nelakonda is revealed, the story's narration picks up pace exciting all the viewers. The scene featuring Balakrishna addressing the girls in school gives a strong message to the schools and parents and to society. This scene stands out to be the highlight in the film.
Dialogues are good and powerful and at times hilarious. Anil Ravipudi packed the film into a wholesome commercial entertainer with a good message. Thaman came up with good background music elevating the proceedings. The songs are ok. The Ganesh Anthem appeals to all with highly energetic dance moves. The cinematography of Ram Prasad turned the film rich. Editing of Thammiraju is ok. Production values are good.
Verdict:
"Bhagavanth Kesari" is a film crafted with noble intentions, with Anil Ravipudi's vision being to showcase Balakrishna in a profoundly intense role while simultaneously imparting a compelling message on women's empowerment to society. Bhagavanth Kesari turns out to be a different entertainer for Balakrishna and his fans and it connects chords with the society with a good message.
On the whole, "Bhagavanth Kesari" is a film created with a commendable message and sincere intent and Balakrishna deserves all the accolades and bouquets for doing this powerful message-oriented role.
