Jitender Reddy is the biopic of the rationlist leader of the same name. The film has been released today and stars Rakesh Varre. Read our review to know if the film is worth a watch in theaters or not.
Story
What event in Jitender Reddy's childhood changed his way of thinking? How did he draw inspiration from the lives of Gopanna and Ramanna? What kind of fight did Jitender Reddy take up against the leftist student unions in college? How did he prevent Naxalites from setting foot in Jagityala? How did he stand up to the local MLA? How did Jitender Reddy’s political journey unfold? What setbacks did he face after securing the MLA ticket? Did he take any form of revenge against the Naxalites, or did they, in turn, rebel against him? To find the answers to these questions about Jitender Reddy’s life, you’ll have to watch it on screen.
Analysis
Jitender Reddy is set in Jagtial, Karimnagar district, during a time when Naxalites ran a parallel government. Director Virinchi Varma doesn't fully capture the intensity of Jitender Reddy's daring story, though he succeeds in creating emotional depth in certain scenes. The narrative of Gopanna and Ramanna's tragic episodes, along with the character of Gattayya, is effectively portrayed.
However, a lot of time is spent in the first half on character introductions and setting up the storyline, making it feel a bit slow. Virinchi Varma corrects this in the second half, delivering engaging action sequences. The film does well in recreating the atmosphere of the 1980s and '90s, with an intense action sequence in the climax, although some minor historical inaccuracies, like references to Chhattisgarh, could have been avoided.
Despite some structural and production flaws, Rakesh Varre's performance keeps the film grounded. In the second half, he fully embodies Jitender Reddy, especially excelling from the pre-climax to the final scene. Subbaraju as Gopanna and Ravi Prakash as Gattayya stand out, while Vaishali Raj, Rhea Suman, and Chatrapathi Shekhar also deliver strong performances.
Technically, the film benefits from quality music, art direction, and cinematography. The art department excels at recreating the '80s vibe, with careful attention to costumes and actors' body language. The background score elevates the scenes, and Chota K Prasad's editing is tight. Producers Muduganti Ravinder Reddy and Uma Ravinder ensure strong production values. Dialogues questioning the destructive actions of the movement prompt reflection.
Verdict
Overall, Jitender Reddy tells the story of a man who, shaped by RSS ideals, fought against the Naxalites and transitioned into a political leader dedicated to serving the people. However, the film’s nationalist stance may not resonate with leftist sympathizers, and it could have been designed to appeal more broadly. Yet, thanks to Rakesh Varre’s performance, this film can be given a shot for those who like biopics.
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