Srisailam Review

New production house Image Films by producer Thadivaka Ramesh Naidu has made `Srisailam' starring Dr. Srihari and debutant heroine Sajitha in the lead. KS Nageswara Rao, the hit maker of many Srihari's films has directed this movie which was released on 31st January. After a long time, we have a movie that reawakes the patriotic feelings hidden deep inside us and throws limelight on contemporary social misdeeds. A short contemplation about the movie looks into the pros and cons below.

Story

Srisailam's (Srihari) dialogue "Kabaristhan nunchi vachanu, champalanukunte ventane champei, ledante hindusthanni migalchanu.." to the police opens the narration on screen.

The Indian resident bearing a divine name Srisaila Mallikarjun (Srihari) aka Srisailam acts opposite to it. Indulging himself in unpatriotic deeds, associating himself with terrorists who believe in Jihaad and Kashmir militants, he continues to be the black mole for the country.

Srisailam enters a university as a bus driver for his vengeance on the Vice Chancellor, KV Krishna Devarayalu (Krishnam Raju) who happens to be an erstwhile governor of Kashmir. The Vice Chancellor is a noble man and inculcates the message that Hindus and Muslims are of the same blood.

But, Srisailam determined in his goal murders the son-in-law of Krishna Devarayalu. Ironically, he educates the students on being patriotic and kindles a feel for their country. Neelima Benigar (Sajitha), the physical trainer in the campus rebuffs the protagonist at first but later falls in love with him. Meanwhile, the leader of militant group in Kashmir, Asadullah Khan monitors Srisailam's moves by his subordinates and feels content with the proceedings. The mission moves on with a series of twists and turns to reveal the truth behind Srisailam's actions.

Why would an ordinary bus driver indulge himself in criminal activities and inculcate the students at the same time? If he's from the militant group, why would he delay the chancellor's death? Is it his motive to save India or change Hindustan into Kabaristan? These doubts are cleared on screen in a thrilling, exciting and patriotic way.

Performance of artists

The talented Srihari is at complete ease in the role which is his area of expertise by repeated experience. He performs close to what the audiences expect especially the rendezvous scene between the military and Kashmir militants. He displays comical expressions plausibly in the university campus part and changes drastically during serious areas.

The matured and seasoned senior actor Krishnam Raju's skills need no special mention as he wins with his hands down. In whatever space provided, Sajitha (heroine) has done a good job.

The cameo of a military officer who sacrifices his life for the country done by Nagababu in the flashback needs accolade. Srihari and Nagababu's part reflects real life scenario while Krishnam Raju's performance as Krishna Devarayalu is very dignified.

The special mention to be made here is about the new talent with Srihari's combination, Ramkiran. He's slick in doing kickboxing for stunts and a great dancer. Suhani, his pair is an average. The satirical episode upon youngsters migrating to foreign countries seeking money and career has been burdened on Brahmanandam's reliable shoulders. He carries it off with ease and during his comical stunts he passes on the message revoking thoughts among the people.

Venu Madhav, Chitram Seenu, Dharmavarapu Subrahmanyam have successfully unveiled the comedy that comes as a part of the story.

Story, Screenplay and Direction

At present, terrorism threatens the future of our county and our establishment makes us insecure to doubt whether the person walking near us is a civilian or a terrorist. Relying, the script on this burning issue of security and future, director KS Nageswara Rao comes out with flying colors.

The filmmaker has done a slick work of screenplay which succeeds in hiding the real self of Srihari's character and keeps the pace going in this patriotic movie which kindles our conceptions. The risky task of bringing out a patriotic script on screen into a commercial entertainer has been done efficiently by KS Nageswara Rao. Producer Ramesh Naidu deserves a special pat for making such a movie and providing utmost support in getting out the right quality.

Technical aspects

In technicality, cinematography becomes the topper. Adusumilli Vijay Kumar's camera has portrayed each and every frame look rich and elegant to watch. Stunt choreographers Ram-Lakshman has laid down new rules for the action part which are the most expectant part of Srihari's movies. Vijay Kumar has captured it neat into the celluloid. Without any exaggeration, fights are placed at relevant situations and not nudged in. Gautham Raju's tight and taut editing needs no criticism.

Criticism

The script doesn't demand but dramatic scenes are an inevitable part of commercial films and `Srisailam' is no different. This could be forgiven as the movie delivers a national message with a proper script. The song `Vande Matharam' composed by AR Rahman has been positioned in perfect timing which adds to the feel. A look into the facts of terrorism which is based on a misconception called `Jihaad' and its brutal consequences is `Srisailam'. Bottom line, `Srisailam' is a commercial entertainer that resurge patriotism apart from entertaining the masses.