Cast: Rocking Rakesh, Ananya Krishnan, Lohith, Mime Madhu, Tanikella Bharani, Tagubothu Ramesh, Dhanraj, Jordar Sujatha, and others
Director: Anji Garudavega
Music: Charan Arjun
Editor: Chintala Madhu
Producer: Rocking Rakesh
Production House: Green Tree Productions
Release Date: November 22, 2024
Comedian Rocking Rakesh stars in Kesava Chandra Ramavat (shortened as KCR), a film with an intriguing premise tied to the former Telangana Chief Minister, KCR. With Rakesh portraying a die-hard fan of KCR, the movie garnered significant hype. Directed by Anji Garudavega, the film also stars Ananya Krishnan, Tanikella Bharani, Dhanraj, and others. Did Rakesh impress in his lead role and justify the hype? Let’s find out in this review.
The Plot
Kesava Chandra Ramavat, alias KCR (Rocking Rakesh), hails from Rangabai Tanda in Warangal district and has been a devoted fan of K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) since childhood. Inspired by KCR’s speeches during the Telangana movement, Kesava grew up idolizing him. His cousin, Manju (Ananya Krishnan), is in love with him, but Kesava dreams of marrying a wealthy city girl, believing it would secure his future. Eventually, he gets engaged to the daughter of a rich man and vows to marry her in the presence of KCR. Determined to fulfill his promise, Kesava travels to Hyderabad to convince KCR to attend his wedding. What challenges does he face in the city? How does the ring road project create problems for his village? Does Kesava succeed in bringing KCR to his wedding? The answers form the crux of the story.
Performances
Rocking Rakesh delivers an earnest performance as a passionate KCR fan, showcasing his natural acting skills. His portrayal of a young man fighting for his village and dreams is convincing. Ananya Krishnan, playing Manju, does a decent job, though her role doesn’t offer much scope for acting. Lohith as Kesava’s father and Mime Madhu as his uncle stand out with their performances. Tagubothu Ramesh and Jordar Sujatha provide comic relief in their brief appearances. Tanikella Bharani, Dhanraj, and others perform adequately within their limited roles.
Direction
Director Anji Garudavega narrates the story of a simple Lambada youth’s journey from his village to the city, driven by his admiration for KCR. The film captures the emotional journey of Kesava, highlighting his struggles and dreams. The first half introduces Kesava, his village life, and his inspiration drawn from KCR’s speeches. The promise to bring KCR to his wedding adds intrigue to the second half. The challenges Kesava faces in Hyderabad and the emotional climax involving the ring road issue are handled well. However, the film’s overt focus on glorifying a political figure might limit its appeal. While it serves as a celebration for KCR fans and BRS supporters, its reception among general audiences remains uncertain.
Technical Aspects
Technically, the film is well-crafted. Director Anji Garudavega also impresses as a cinematographer. Charan Arjun’s songs and background score elevate the emotional sequences. The production values are commendable, reflecting a well-invested effort.
Strengths
- Rocking Rakesh’s performance
- Emotional sequences
- Music
Weaknesses
- Overemphasis on a politician
- A few stretched scenes
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