'Radhe Shyam', produced on a lavish scale by UV Creations in association with T-Series' film production arm, is playing in theatres. In this section, we tell you the review of the much-awaited romantic action drama.
Story:
Vikramaditya (Prabhas) has attained enviable fame by making accurate predictions as a palmist. He is a clairvoyance specialist of outstanding repute. He knows his future (or so he thinks) and desists from falling in love because love and marriage are not for him (or so he thinks). His flirtationships lead him nowhere. This is when he runs into a beautiful doctor named Prerana (Pooja Hegde). What consequences does this have for him and Prerana? Will the duo survive the malevolence of fate? That's the key part of the story.
Analysis:
It would be lazy to say that 'Radhe Shyam' is a one-man show. This is a consummate story-based, screenplay-enriched saga hitting home by telling a composed tale that turns tumultuous for its characters after a point. And, with it, the narration too acquires rare features that have never been explored by any Tollywood filmmaker.
As a Telugu film, 'Radhe Shyam' sets a decent standard in some crucial ways: Manoj Paramahamsa's imposing visuals edify the story and the backdrop. The 1970s Europe has been recreated in all its opulence by production designer Raveendar, whose painstakingly meticulous research needs applause. Thaman had the task of making even melancholy sound magnificent with his background music. His work lends a touch of effervescence when the scenes are cheerful. Justin Prabhakaran's soulful and sublime melodies ('Nagumomu Thaarale' and 'Ee Raathale') are in contrast with the sometimes twinkling aura of the film.
Sometimes, the casting looks too bloated. We make peace with the likes of Riddhi Kumar and Sachin Khedekar, but the supporting appearances by Jagapathi Babu, Priyadarshi and the like should have been fleshed out better. Jayaram is more versatile than the likes of Murali Sharma here.
On the flip side, some of the frames look quite contemporary or non-specific. The fault may have to do with the choice of locations. Shot against rare locations in Italy, Austria and Georgia, among others, the film's VFX is a picture of poise, though. The ship scene in the climax, ably animated by Nick Powell's action choreography and Prabhas' intense acting, is a case in point.
The story deserved better treatment. We don't get to see the sad portions in their full flourish because of director's yearning to tell the story as a feel-good one. The songs are stuffed in the first half itself. The second half should have been replenished with a good set of songs. 'Radhe Shyam' should have been made as a semi-musical romantic story. Instead, it has been done to feel like a semi-entertainer.
Regardless of the build up to the climax, the the film lacks the visual muscle of a wholesome experience. The vivacious screen presence of Pooja Hegde is a masterful match to that of Prabhas. The immersive quality of her performance uplifts whole scenes with her co-star in tandem. She is a pan-India actress who gracefully complements her co-star's riveting talent.
The second half is more even in terms of building a certain mood. The splendor of lead performances, however, doesn't inform the overall flavor.
Verdict:
'Radhe Shyam' is just about a watchable movie with a strong visual quality. The lead performances are engrossing.
