Cast: Ashok Galla, Manasa Varanasi, Devadatta Nage, and others
Director: Arjun Jandyala
Story: Prasanth Varma
Dialogues: Burra Sai Madhav
Cinematography: Prasad Murella, Rasool
Editing: Thimmaraju
Release Date: November 22, 2024
Ashok Galla, the son of prominent businessman Galla Jayadev and nephew of Mahesh Babu, stars in his latest film, Devaki Nandana Vasudeva. Prasanth Varma, known for Hanuman, penned the story, while Arjun Jandyala directed the movie. The team promised a blend of spirituality, commercial appeal, and thrilling elements. Released on November 22, did the movie captivate the audience? Did Prasanth Varma’s trademark shine through? Let’s delve into the details.
The Plot
Kamsaraju (Devadatta Nage) is a tyrant. During a visit to Kashi, he encounters an Aghora who predicts that his death will come at the hands of his sister’s third child. Terrified, Kamsaraju attacks his pregnant sister (Devayani), leading to the death of her husband. He is sentenced to 21 years in prison. Meanwhile, his sister gives birth to a girl, Sathya (Manasa Varanasi). As she grows up, Krishna (Ashok Galla) falls in love with her. Upon Kamsaraju’s release from jail, what happens to Sathya? What secret has Kamsaraju’s sister been hiding from him? How does Krishna protect his love? The answers lie in the movie.
The Performances
Ashok Galla clearly worked hard for his role as Krishna, and his efforts are evident on screen. Compared to his previous film, Ashok has improved in both acting and body language. His performance in key emotional scenes is commendable. Manasa Varanasi impresses as the heroine, and her chemistry with Ashok works well. However, she falters in conveying deeper emotions in certain scenes. Devadatta Nage delivers a solid performance as the antagonist, while Devayani does justice to her role as Kamsaraju’s sister. Jhansi shines as the hero’s mother, while supporting actors like Sanjay Swaroop, Shatru, Sridhar Reddy, and Getup Srinu play their parts adequately.
The Direction
Despite a premise with potential, Prasanth Varma’s story lacks depth. While mythology is woven into the narrative, it feels disjointed and fails to sync with the storyline. Director Arjun Jandyala missed the opportunity to create magic in the screenplay, which falls flat and lacks intrigue. Certain scenes promote superstitions rather than adding value to the narrative. The love track between the lead pair feels underwhelming, and the action sequences between Krishna and Kamsaraju fail to make an impact. Some scenes intended to elevate Krishna’s character come across as overly dramatic. Overall, the direction leaves the audience bored at several points.
Technical Aspects
On the technical front, Bhims Ceciroleo’s music is a major asset. His background score elevates the action sequences significantly. Prasad Murella’s cinematography is impressive, capturing the essence of the scenes well. Editor Thimmaraju’s work is satisfactory. The production values are high, and there’s no compromise in terms of budget, making the film visually appealing.
Strengths
- Ashok Galla’s performance
- Action sequences
- Music
Weaknesses
- Lackluster storytelling
- Weak love track
- Ineffective use of mythology
