Enugu Review

'Enugu' hit the screens this Friday. In this section, we are going to review the mass action drama.

Story:

Ravi (Arun Vijay) is the youngest son of a prominent business tycoon (Rajesh), who also has three sons played by Samuthirakani, Bose Venkat and Sanjeev from his first wife. The family unwittingly causes the death of their archrival's son (Ramachandra Raju), besides causing his twin (also Ramachandra Raju) to be sentenced to a seven-year jail term. The twin comes back from jail and vows to finish off the family. How Ravi rises to the occasion to save his family in the context of a casteissm-peppered madness forms the crux of the story.

Analysis:

Arun Vijay gets to play a proper commercial action hero role, pulling off fights, sentiment and love with panache. The Kollywood hero, known for Prabhas' 'Saaho', hits the bull's eye. Priya Bhavani Shankar plays the heroine and she is a talent to watch out for. 'KGF' fame Ramachandra Raju is proving to be a good choice of late; he was able even in the disastrous Telugu movie 'Bhala Thandanana' recently. Comedian Yogi Babu's timing works. Radhika Sarathkumar gets to display her talent in the second half more. 'Sarkaru Vaari Paata' and 'Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo' baddie Samuthirakani is good. Bose Venkat, Imman Annachi and others are impressive.

GV Prakash Kumar's 'Yelamma Yela' and 'Tandavam' make the cut. His BGM is steeped in the flavour of rustic Tamil movies. Over the years, this variety of music has worked for the Telugu audience as well. Gopinath's camera work and Antony's editing are on par.

Director Hari has narrated a story that hits home, especially when it raises inconvenient questions about casteism and caste-driven notions of honour. The first half balances the sentiment part, the conflict inside Ravi's family, the love track between Ravi and the heroine, and the situational comedy dominated by Yogi Babu.  

In the second half, as Ravi and his family run out of time, tension is built slowly and surely. The track around Ammu Abhirami's character is milked fully in the second half. The last 30 minutes are high on action and tense moments. The dialogues spun around the villain's character are effective.

A few moments feel forced, though. For example, Ravi reacting violently on an occasion and profusely apologizing to the heroin for his extreme behaviour doesn't quite convince you. Despite such pitfalls, 'Enugu' manages to keep the audience engaged.

Verdict:

'Enugu' is rooted in the Tamil flavour. Director Hari, however, tells a story with universal emotions. Watch it for a rural action drama replete with emotions.