Another young hero from the Ghattamaneni family, Ashok Galla, stars in Devaki Nandana Vasudeva. Directed by Arjun Jandyala and backed by the blessings of his uncle Mahesh Babu, the film features a story penned by Prasanth Varma. the film hit the screens on November 22. Has Ashok Galla managed to shine as an actor with his second film? To what extent has the film impressed the audience? Let’s find out.
Story: Kansaraju (Devadatta) is a wicked man who ironically believes in God. While in Kashi, an Aghori tells him that he will die because of the third child born to his younger sister. Kansaraju then commits heinous acts, including murdering his sister’s (Devyani) husband while she is pregnant and killing a policeman, for which he is sentenced to 21 years in prison. Cut to the present, Krishna (Ashok Galla) lives with his mother in the Godavari district, weaving sarees and helping those around him. Kansaraju’s niece, Satya (Manasa Varanasi), falls in love with Krishna and wants to marry him. Did Kansaraju’s sister give birth to a third child? If so, who is the third child? Why does Krishna cross paths with Kansaraju? The answers to these questions form the crux of Devaki Nandana Vasudeva.
Performances: Jhansi stands out as the only actress who consistently impressed throughout the film. She delivered a natural and engaging performance in the role of a mother, even adding a touch of authenticity during a small fight scene. After her, Devyani managed to leave an impact with her portrayal of a mother willing to go to any lengths to save her child, as reflected in the determination in her eyes.
Devadatta, on the other hand, struggled with his performance. Neither he nor the director seemed to pay attention to the nuances of acting, such as conveying emotions through the eyes or expressions. As a result, in the slow-motion shots, nothing stood out except his swaying cheeks. As for Ashok Galla, the lead actor, his performance left much to be desired. He seemed miscast for the role and would have been better suited for lighter, fun characters. Manasa Varanasi, despite her striking looks and status as a former Miss World contestant, failed to impress as an actress.
Technical Aspects: Prasanth Varma, who provided the film’s story and reportedly charged a hefty remuneration, his contribution deserves scrutiny. He blended the concept of the 2017 Hollywood film What Happened to Monday with mythological elements involving Krishna and Kansa. The resulting story, Devaki Nandana Vasudeva, feels like a blemish on his career. Cinematographers Rasool Ellor and Prasad Murella, along with music director Bheems Ceciroleo, were the only technicians who justified the film’s budget.
Director Arjun Jandhyala excelled in crafting action scenes, much like his mentor Boyapati. However, he faltered when it came to conveying emotion effectively. Since the story didn’t originate with him, Arjun cannot be entirely blamed. However, his mark as a director is barely evident beyond the action sequences. The producers didn’t hold back on spending money, but whether those investments will yield returns remains doubtful.
Incorporating mythology into a narrative should feel organic, not forced, and certainly not used simply to deceive the audience. The CG shots involving the Dashavataras, awkwardly placed in the climax, and the merging of Krishna, Kansa, and Satyabhama concepts leave viewers baffled. The reasoning behind these elements is incomprehensible, no matter how much one tries to make sense of them.
Verdict: Overall, Devaki Nandana Vasudeva is a botched-up action drama that feels outdated from the word go. The hero does well but is miscast in the film. There is nothing novel showcased in the film making it a boring and silly affair this week.
Bottom Line: Nothing works
Rating: 1.5/5
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