Bheeshma Review

'Bheeshma', starring Nithiin and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead, hit the screens this Friday.  Here is our review of the latest box-office release.

Story:

Bheeshma (Nithiin) is an unemployed youth who is not even a graduate.  He woos Anitha (Rashmika Mandanna), the daughter of an ACP (played by Sampath Raj).  Anitha works for an organics company owned by an old man named Bheeshma (Anant Nag of Sandalwood), whose rival (played by Jisshu Sengupta) wants to finish Bheeshma Organics and promote a dangerous chemical farming method.

A chance and unexpected participation in a heated debate with Jisshu makes the male lead the cynosure of the owner of Bheeshma Organics.  What does this lead to?  What role does the hero now play in saving the good company and poor farmers from the evil villain?  Answers to these questions are found in the second half.

Analysis:

Writer-director Venky Kudumula's second film, 'Bheeshma', banks upon a time-tested formula to dish out entertainment.  Essentially conceived as a rom-com, this film intersperses serious moments with light-veined scenes involving the lead pair.  The result is some fun, more fun, and a few emotional scenes to boot.

Nithiin delivers a confident performance and, as described by the actor himself in the run-up to the film's release, this has to be his most entertaining part since 'Dil'.  With his able comic timing and ease, the Chocolate Boy of the 2000s unleashes a new version of himself.  His chemistry with Rashmika, the star actress, is cackling.  He delivers laughs in the presence of Vennela Kishore, who is the film's quintessential victim of the hero's comical sadism.  The second half features a number of interesting repartees involving the two, who are joined by Raghu Babu.  The frustration shown by Vennela Kishore's character is hilarious.  The scenes between the hero and Sampath Raj are rib-tickling.  Since the hero is a meme-maker, he should have been shown to be creating memes atleast once.  Also, writing rhyming lines is not equal to making memes.

While Jisshu would have been the second most important character in another film, 'Bheeshma' makes him a footnote in favour of what everyone calls entertainment.  His character should have been stronger.  In the climax, the unconventional ways of the hero look rather lazy.  But since everything is overshadowed by the humour quotient, you don't complain much.

Anant Nag allows the hero to take charge and trusts his ways.  Nithiin becomes a saviour of farmers and there is definitely a hangover of some of the blockbusters of the decade.  Ajay plays a Minister whose character arc comes with a twist.  Hebbah Patel has an extended cameo.  Sudarshan, VK Naresh and others fit the bill.  Brahmaji is a plus.

The rom-com track starts off on the usual boy-woos-girl note, peppered with peppy numbers.  Rashmika comes with that kind of attitude we have seen in 'Geetha Govindam'.  Her chemistry with Nithiin is spot on, especially in 'Whattey Beauty'.  Since she is an employee of Bheeshma Organics, her presence in the second half is organic.  Her equations with the male lead are not always straightforward.

Without relying on too many action moments (there is this fight where heroism is elevated in a smart way), the film gives way to comedy in the climax.  The chief antagonist's ways look quite dated.

The film makes a case for organic farming in a non-serious manner.  The distraught old farmer's presence is a warped trope.  The way the hero masters the subject of organic farming is a leap of faith but is commercial nevertheless.

Coming to technical departments, Mahati Swara Sagar's songs complement the film's light mood.  The BGM is diverse and enjoyable.  The cinematography is definitely beautiful.  Sitara Entertainments' production values are sincere.

Verdict:

If you are looking for a light movie that doesn't take itself too seriously, this one is for you.  Stuffed with fun elements that privileges its rom-com track over the plot involving the baddies, 'Bheeshma' makes the cut.  It's an entertainer first and entertainer last.  Expect comedy throughout.

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