Chinthakayala Ravi Review

Hero Venkatesh stands in the lead among the top artists, who give prominence to play versatile roles rather than boost their heroism or an image of stardom. His roles in earlier films like 'Raja', 'Pelli Chesukundam', 'Pavithra Bandham', 'Nuvvu Naku Nachavu' and 'Adavari Matalaku Ardhale Verule', are evident to prove his versatility. To be more specific, in comedy entertainers 'Nuvvu Naku Nachavu' and 'AMAV' his roles were very different from an image of a hero, and Venkatesh did one hundred percent justice to those characters achieving a coup with his performance similar to a character artist. His role in `Chinthakayala Ravi' has a resemblance to those characters that he enacted in his past.

This film made to mark Venky's winsome comedy entertainer, is directed by Yogesh of 'Oka Raju Oka Rani' fame. Nallamalapu Srinivas (Bujji) produced this film on Lakshmi Narasimha Productions banner. The film is released on the 2nd of this month. A review on `Chinthakayala Ravi' that is sure to tickle your funny bone.

Story

Chinthakayala Ravi (Venkatesh) goes to America to get in to a job as a software professional. Meanwhile, his parents in India, Seshamamba (Lakshmi) and Chandra Mohan, fixes his marriage with Lavanya (Mamtha Mohandas) the daughter of Ramachandra Raju (Shayaji Shinde). Sunitha (Anushka) who resides in America is a close friend of Lavanya. Fate strikes a blow when Sunitha gets to meet Chithakayala Ravi in USA who works in a cyber wave. Does Lavanya marry Chinthakayala Ravi who woks in a cyber cafe? What or who plays the mysterious turn in his life that causes him to work in a cyber wave? How did the story of Sunitha, who loved Chinthakayala Ravi ended happily? These are the main plot that forms the line of `Chintakayala Ravi' which is narrated with a lot of humor quotient sprinkled all over.

Performance of Artists

Earlier, Venkatesh had played this kind of a role in 'Nuvvu Naku Nachavu', 'Adavari Matalaku Ardhale Verule' and 'Malleeshwari'. He has a special expertise in performing such roles which have a touch of sentiment and comedy. Obviously, he has emerged out with a laudable acting as Chinthakayala Ravi, which has more of an artistic side than to an image of a hero. The actor performs the scenes with utmost ease and ultimately wins with his hands down.

Anushka as Sunitha, a girl who dwells abroad has acted out her part good. Mamtha Mohandas also gives a notable performance with in the limits that her role offered. The chemistry that prevails between Anushka and Venkatesh has been chalked out well compared to the formerly engaged pair. Both of them delivers and adds themselves as an asset to the film.

Lakshmi and Chandra Mohan exhibited their usual ease in presenting the roles of the caring dad and mom. Performance of Shayaji Shinde is good and he emotes himself to suit the character. Venu Madhav, Srinivas Reddy, Ganesh, who hangs along with the hero along with the bar owner Brahmanandam supplies the comical entertainment and evokes guffaws. Suneel as Pendurthi babu, cousin (Bava) of Lavanya, Rajesh as his assistant comes onscreen to carry on the story forward. Ali as Lachimi entertained with his usual style of slapstick humor.

A delightful surprise is the brief appearance of NTR in 'Saradake Sarada putte samyamlo' party song.

Technicians

The music composed by the Bollywood duo Vishal - Shekhar of 'Om Shanti Om' fame is a positive asset to the film. The music has been tailor made to suit the movie and the songs make an impact with its mellifluous tunes.

Chandrabose composed the lyrics for all the songs in a film, after a long time. The lyricist has penned down the words gracefully even after such a gap proving his talent once again.

The punch dialogues envisaged by Kona Venkat, and photography of K Ravindra Babu delivers. Editing of Shankar Prasad can be considered as fine if not up to a greater level.

Director's Portrayal

Yogesh who debuted with 'Oka Raju Oka Rani' having Ravi Teja and Namitha in the lead did not attain success with that film. His idea of Chinthakayala Ravi, made in the backdrop of NewYork posing a complete comedy entertainment has brought in a fresh feel. We can say that Yogi got his part of success with this film. The maker can laugh his way to be laurelled.

Cons

The main void that prevails is in the Re-Recording part of this film. Mani Sharma could not parallel himself to the expectations that had been generated for this movie.

The director rushes the first half with a solid quotient of comedy and entertainment. But, alas the pace slows down even before the interval rings. And further more the level of slapstick humour goes low and entertainment takes a back seat in the second half. A bad choice but sentiment takes over the remaining part of the movie. This demotes the film to an average flick which was supposed to be a super hit.

Pradeep Shakti, who acted after a long gap, seems as if he is doing a role of a junior artist.

Criticism

All the elements which will be expected by the audience in a Venkatesh's film is merged in this movie. However, if the director and writer had tweaked the screenplay a little more on the second half, the end result would have been far better. Paring these little things, we can say that the movie on the whole is a humorous entertainer that carries the Venky's mark.

Banner: Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Productions

Cast: Venkatesh, Anushka, Mamata Mohandas, Lakshmi, Prakash Raj (voice over), Sayaji Shinde, Brahmanandam, Venu Madhav, Sunil, MS Narayana, Chandra Mohan, Pradeep Shakti, Ali, Arti Chabria, Venu, Nikita and NTR (special appearance)

CREDITS: Music: Vishal Sekhar, Cinematography: K Ravindra Babu, Editing: Sreekar Prasad, Lyrics: Chandrabose, Producer: Nallamalupu Bujji , Story-screenplay: Kona Venkat, Direction: Yogesh

Released on: October 02, 2008