We have been subjected to many films over the years. Some have been great experiences that we carry for life and others remained as forgettable as yesterday’s newspaper. S.S. Rajamouli, right from his Simhadri days proved that he has knack in making commercial cinema and his team does work hard to provide the entertainment that a viewer loves to visit and re-visit many times. That has been his success secret and he doesn’t leave it behind even in his Magnum Opus, Bahubali. He asks people to enter the dream land and enjoy it without any inhibitions. He asks to you bring the childlike enthusiasm to the forefront and leave out the masks of growth behind. He lends you a hand in cheering for a hero and demands huge respect from you, for his sincerity, valor and imagination. Let’s see how he concluded the epic story of Bahubali and what answers did he give for the question, “Why Kattappa Killed Bahubali?”
Plot : The story starts establishing the bond between various characters before answering the question of the decade. It gives you an idea about what would have happened right from the beginning and concentrates more on delivering the punch right. Before Bahubali’s (Prabhas) coronation Sivagami (Ramyakrishnan) asks him to go on a whirlwind tour around the state of Maahishmathi with Kattappa (Sathyaraj). She tries to compensate with expensive gifts, but Bhallaladeva (Rana Daggubati) cleverly uses them establish himself as a good person. His manipulation of situations reach it’s peak after Bahubali meets Devasena (Anushka) and his plan works big time as he succeeds in getting the throne. He also successfully creates wedge in Sivagami and Bahubali’s relationship. Well, Devasena too doesn’t help Bahubali in this regard. So what made Kattappa Kill Bahubali? Is he justified in doing so? What made Sivagami run to save the infant’s life? Watch the movie on screen to know the answers …
Performances : Prabhas with his screen presence brings Amarendra Bahubali to life. He is at his natural ease in many scenes and it is hard to visualize any other actor playing Bahubali after watching him on screen. His hard work is visible as he pulls off difficult stunts with amazing flexibility and this movie remains as the birth of new Prabhas, sorry, Bahubali on screen. This character will be lifetime recognition and he puts in everything into it. Rana Daggubati brings out the beast on him for action sequences and also delivers a career defining performance as Bhallaladeva. One scene where he delivers a monologue besides the deadbody of Bahubali, he showed the talent he poses as an actor and hopefully he works more on those subjects that will help him grow further.
Anushka Shetty, as Devasena tops her act as Arundhati and this performance from her will be remembered for years to come. She will be reference point to how a woman can be composed and confident in making the right point. Also, she had a chance to show her action skills in more than one scene and she nailed them to perfection. Ramyakrishnan, once captures the centre stage by dominating the scenes she is in. She pierces through with her sharp looks and as a loving mother and fearsome leader switches between different shades with aplomb ease like only she can.
Nasser and Satyaraj, prove to be perfect for their characters and they give their best once again. Nobody can replace them on screen as their respective characters and we should thank casting directors for selecting them in first place. It is pure delight to watch them in action. Subbaraju gives a good performance in a role that resembles comedians of yesteryear, mainly, Relangi.
Technicalities : In a film filled with VFX every nook and corner, it is required that the visual effects look real and Kamal Kannan with his team did magic on screen. Still, climax portions did look short a render or two, had they concentrated on them too, it would’ve been flawless on their part. Music by M.M.Keeravani is good for the songs but his Background music disappoints big time. He does score the right notes for several scenes and annoys you at other times. He could’ve done much better work than he did for the movie. Editing by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao towards the climax and during climax portions, falls flat. Cinematographer Senthil Kumar, once again provides his best work. He makes use of the grand scale opportunity to the fullest and his crowd shots would be the reference points for many movies to come. His support for Rajamouli’s vision lends to the ultimate experience of the viewer.
Story by Vijayendra Prasad does have few moments that shine but the film looks like a routine folklore inspired from mythology, especially from Mahabharata, especially the parts of Virat Parvam, Laaksha gruha dhanam and Kunti – Draupadi samvadam. Dialogues by Ch. Vijay kumar and Ajay Kumar lack in the punch of the ambition that Rajamouli’s vision demands. S.S. Rajamouli once again proves that he is the best action director and his ideas in Hamsa Nava song, also gives us a glimpse of his mastery in portraying all kinds of romance on screen. His suggestive shots, visual metaphors and imagination captivates audience to the screens. But in his screenplay, he does drag on after a point but hits back at the right time during the interval sequence and all the important Bahubali death sequence. Had he did not let his penchant to show strong, raw heroism on screen take over the logics during the climax, the movie would’ve been a flawless experience.
Analysis : The most awaited movie of the year, has arrived at the theatres amidst huge expectations. Rajamouli and his team, once again package the film with necessary ingredients and deliver one of the imaginative films ever produced on telugu screen. Still the movie suffers with minor issues like routine story and not so well executed climax part. On the whole, it does deliver on the promise and makes for a rememberable visual experience on screen.
Rating : 3.5/5
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