Mass Maharaja has just been powered by 'Vikramarkudu' with an extra 'Balupu'. High on energy, he delivers a powerhouse performance. There is cop element, crusade against corruption, predictable but adroitly narrated twist or two, villains who have no idea what he will do next.. 'Power' brings to the table everything that a Ravi Teja commercial entertainer is expected to be packed with, sans of course the usual eccentricity that is his raison d'etre.
As the film begins, ACP Baldev Sahai (Ravi Teja) kidnaps the dreaded Ganguly bhai (Sampath Raj), who is about to be given death by a court. Baldev Sahai is hated as a police officer for his corrupt deeds and his latest act of escaping Ganguly bhai from the gallows shakes Kolkata. Ganguly's brother, the Home Minister (played by Mukesh Rishi), wants to nab Ganguly in a week's time, failing which he will resign.
In a distant place, Tirupathi (Ravi Teja) is passionate about becoming a cop. He can do anything for it and enters his life Nirupama (Hansika Motwani), who is faking her ability to shoo away bad luck through powerful rings. The comedy track involving Nirupama 'ji', the costly silk saree-clad 'mata ji', Bilahari (Sapthagiri), her assistant, and the frustrated but funny Tirupathi is interspersed with the track involving the Home Minister's hunt for Ganguly bhai.
By a quirk of fate, Tirupathi is approached by the Home Minister, who requests him to impersonate the ACP.
However, things are not what they seem and the first twist comes when the gutsy Tirupathi, who the world thinks is Baldev Sahai, nabs Ganguly bhai.
On the face of it, 'Power' is formulaic but style and wit are neatly built into the script. Kona Venkat's dialogues are a big plus, the word play with English language is intelligent. There are no punchlines that see the hero compare himself with this or that creature (except the routine reference to the Royal Bengal Tiger by Ajay).
Ravi Teja's energetic performance stands in the company of his earlier best performances. The excellent cinematography lends charm to him and his presence makes 'Power' a hero-oriented film. KS Ravindra presents him not as an emotion-prone SS Rajamouli hero, but more as someone who calmly waits for the D-day to ferociously chop the Evil.
The Vikramarkudu parody disappoints a bit, especially because at that point of time the film threatens to not offer anything new. But the pace picks up gradually, culminating in an entertaining second half. Brahmanandam's comedy is routine but Sapthagiri strikes a good rapport with Ravi Teja. Posani, Sathyam Rajesh, Raghu Kunche entertain in their roles. Brahmi gets a tribute in the form of 'Brahmi dance'. Mukesh Rishi, Ajay, Subbu Raj and Brahmaji fit the bill. Prakash Raj doesn't get to play an important role. Sampath Raj looks fresh in the role of a ruthless gangster, an interesting variation of his factionist avatar in 'Mirchi'.
Characters like those of Brahmi and Hansika make a re-entry with a bang. Regina Cassandra strikes a good on-screen chemistry with Ravi Teja and after 'Ra Ra Krishnayya', it is a feather in the cap.
Sometimes the film looks like a snatch of this or that film (including 'Balupu') in the way Ravi Teja betrays his attitude and the villains outwitted by the scheming hero.
The songs are not memorable but the consolation is that they are well-shot and Ravi Teja looks younger.
Thaman's BG score elevates the film and helps have a modish feel.
Verdict: A promising film that has borrowed ideas from here and there. But the Kona effect and Ravi Teja's powerhouse act deliver the film. Comparisons with other films can harm the movie's prospects a bit, though one is sure to like it more than any of RT's movies in recent times.
Rating: 3/5
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