Nagaram Review

It was much hyped as the makers and the main protagonist claimed it was a comeback of Srikant to hardcore action flicks once again. That was enough to create lots of enthusiasm among the audience to see what the film has on offer. It surely is an action flick and it surely sees Srikant doing more action than he has done in more than a decade. Then, there is an all important item song, a sincere cop, et al, which are the quintessential ingredients for such a film.

As for the actual story, it is about a bad guy called Right (Srikant), who is not exactly on the wrong side of law. Like in all such films, he is sole man with a golden heart among bad guys. So, he is sidekick and right-hand man of Saleem bhai. Everything goes well, till it is time for our hero to meet the sincere and tough cop Choudhary (Jagapati Babu). It is not long before the twosome strike a friendship. After some scenes of male bonding, it is time for our hero Mr Right to question the actions and methods of Saleem bhai.

This naturally leads to them turning foes from friends and suddenly Right finds himself in a tricky situation. Meanwhile, Choudhary is out and in comes a corrupt cop played by Mani. From here on, the film meanders towards a rather tame and expected ending.

Srikant may have wanted to do an action flick after a long time, but the choice of script does not justify his decision. Though it is an action film, director Srinivas fails to either excite or thrill the masses with interesting plot and surprise twists. The film falls into the `we-have-seen-it-all-before' genre and that leaves you asking for more.

Kaveri Jha, who debuts with the film is used more for body show and has little to do apart from dancing around in skimpy clothes. As for Manisha Koirala, we wonder why the director chose to cast her. She is good, but a younger item girl would have worked much better.

The main flaw is Chakri's music, which unfortunately, is average. Though there is a specially choreographed song by Krishna Vamsi, it does not really help the film. However, since the focus is on action, fight choreographers Ram Laxman try some new stunts, but they too fail to infuse life into the drab script.

All in all, it is a film that does not deliver as much as it promised. However, if you are intrigued to see how Srikant has pulled off an action film after a long time, then do check it out.

Cast: Srikant, Jagapati Babu, Kaveri Jha, Manisha Koirala, among others

CREDITS:

Producers: Anji Babu, Kishore Babu

Music Director: Chakri

Director: CC Srinivas