STORY:
RUDHRAMADEVI is a period drama graphing the
early life and times of Rani Rudhramadevi, prominent
Queen of Kakatiya. She was raised as a man Rudhradevudu
from her puerility to secure the Kakatiya Empire from
falling into foes hands. With the help of Minister Shiva
Devaiyya (Prakash Raaj) and father Ganapathideva
(Krishnam Raju), she excels in her action skills by
indulging in sword fight and horse riding. Her secret is
kept secret for 25 years, before a spy Mandanika
(Hamsa Nandini) reveal true identity of Kakathiya
dynasties next kin. From then Rudhramadevi gets
caught up in the power struggle, issues with her courtiers,
from the different empires, generals in her employ and
sudden attack by Mahadeva Nayakudu (Vikramjeet).
How did she save everyone from attacks? Was she
successful in saving Kakathiya dynasty from falling?
Did Gonna Ganna Reddy really hate Rudhramadevi?
It forms the crux of the story line.
Anushka Shetty was very believable and appreciable as
a royal torrid and a honorable woman. Hers is a dual
character, that of next to kin “Rudhradeva” and of powerful
“Rudhramadevi” are superb. She plays her dual role in her
characters in style and lends credibility to both the
characters.Allu Arjun stayed true to his character. There
weren’t really any extra unnecessary scenes with
the sole purpose to further glorify his character. His
Telangana dialect deserves a special applause.
His scenes are major assets of the film. Rana Daggubati
did a decent job, but he had nothing much to do. Nithya
Menonhas a two-bit presence, and her only task is to
smile or look grim.. Catherine Tresa did her bit well.
The others in the cast AdityaMenon,Vikramjeeth, JP,
Prakash Raaj, Aditi Chengappa and Suman are not
toobad though nobody delivers a performance worth
mentioning. Krishnam Rajuwas wasted in a short role,
similarly Venu Madhav, Ajay, Vennela Kishoreand Baba
Sehgal comedy failed to tickle the funny bones. Veteran
actressOoha’s children Roshan (Chalukya Veerabadhrudu)
and Medha (Rudramadevi)are promising in their short roles.
Megastar Chiranjeevi’s Voice Over is major
asset to the film.
The story itself is compelling and because it is based on
true story of RaniRudhramadevi makes it all the more
amazing.“Rudhramadevi” is one ofthose important true
stories thatneeded to be told by someone other than Guna
Sekhar. Iwonder why director Guna Sekhar, who till date
had scripted good films like Laathi, Okkadu, Chudalianni
Undi, Ramayanamand Manoharamventured on this
venturein the first place.
It’s mostly the fans of Allu Arjun andAnushka who
madeit to the Benefit shows of this new release. To such
audienceshouting or whistling for a few times from the
start of the film speaks for theflimsiness of it all.
The main issue with the film is that Guna Sekhar, who
himself scripted the film, faltered in the script department
itself. Eventhe dialogues were unbearable and silly at
times. As of thedirection the less said, the better. The
director completely failed to highlight memorable moments
from RaniRudhramadevi’srule and the struggle she went
throughto look and be like a man.One of the most important
lesson for a film maker mustlearn is “Show the content, don’t
tell it”. What this actually= means is that rather handling the
viewer at every point the directorwants to get across, the
writer should let the details come out naturally as a part
of the story. To illustrate with exampleswhat sort of woman
Rudhramadevi is, what did she do forKakathiya kingdom?
Rather telling the point through a voiceover, let the viewer
see the content for himself. With filmbeing complete visual
medium, this is not a kind of problem.
I was expecting from aperiod drama, unfortunately
this was a biggest problem with “Rudhramadevi”.
The cinematography Ajayan Vincent is really something to
appreciate.The way he shot “Avuna Neevena Ne
Vedhukutunna”song and characters introduction shots are
the only saving grace. The music by Maestro Iiaiyaraaja is
perfect tuned with the periodand BGM elevates the action
episodes. Even the picturization of thesongs aregood.
The movie is very long 158 minutes, could have been
done abetter editing (A Sreekar Prasad) job. The costumes are
good. Boththe ladies and gents wear are completely fitted
out with Kakathiyanstyle from head to toe. Yards of rich
luscious fabric,decently decorated laces, beautifully recreated
sculptures, flowers and jewels. Visual Effectsare high light of
the film for this shoe string budgeted film.
Art work deservesa special mention. There isn't much to write
home about the other departments.Production values of Gunaa
Team Works is good.
Rudhramadevi is a monolithic and epic movie with spectacular visual
effects and beautiful scenery. I liked how they presented Rudhramadevi's
character and her struggle to be a powerful man in spite of heavy pressures
. It’s a realistic looking period war film thats a complete crowd pleaser.
Breathtaking in scope and action and surprisingly precise characterizations
despite whatever ethnically dubious casting choices. Gunaa's expertise
in the machinery of the genre reaches its pinnacle. The Rudhramadevi -
Gonna Ganna Reddy final scene is stroke of genius. On the whole,
Rudhramadevi is another epic from master Guaa, very enjoyable.
FINALLY MUST WATCH TO KNOW OUR
PRIDE AND HISTORY.
ARODRATING: 4/5
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