“Skanda” marks the debut collaboration between the dynamic Ram Pothineni and the seasoned director Boyapati Sreenu. With much anticipation, the film has finally hit theaters. Explore our review to gain insights into the movie.
Plot Synopsis:
The story unfolds as the son of Telangana CM Ranjith Reddy (Sharath Lohitashwa) elopes with the daughter of Andhra Pradesh CM Rayudu (Ajay Purkar). Seeking revenge, Rayudu’s plans take an unexpected turn with the entry of Bhaskar Raju (Ram Pothineni). As the plot thickens, questions arise: Who is Bhaskar Raju, and what drives him? Why did he target both CMs? How is Rudraganti Ramakrishna Raju (Srikanth) connected to Raju? The movie promises answers to these intriguing questions.
Highlights:
Ram Pothineni’s remarkable transformation for the film is a standout feature. His powerful presence, especially in action sequences, is extraordinary. Coupled with impactful dialogue delivery, he elevates the weight of pivotal scenes.
Sreeleela, while somewhat underwhelming as a heroine, captivates audiences with her stellar beauty and dance moves.
Srikanth’s role is well-crafted, and despite limited screen time, he becomes the focal point of the entire narrative. Daggubati Raju also delivers a commendable performance.
Thaman’s outstanding score deserves praise for enhancing many scenes.
Drawbacks:
The adage “Forget the logic to enjoy the magic” aptly applies to Boyapati Sreenu’s recent movies, including “Skanda.” While the fight scenes provide an adrenaline rush, there are moments where the audience may question the plausibility.
The storyline offers nothing substantially new, urging Boyapati Sreenu to focus on innovation. The movie, initially engaging, loses momentum, succumbing to a slower pace in the second half.
In addition to crafting impactful dialogues and directing mass fights, attention should be directed toward enhancing the plot’s engagement.
The songs and their placement lack finesse, with only a couple being memorable. The introduction of numerous characters, such as Indraja and Gautami, adds little value to the plot, indicating a missed opportunity for more significant contributions.
The emotional aspect in the second half, while decent, falls short of being outstanding. Some political party-targeted dialogues may resonate more with mass audiences, particularly in B and C centers.
Technical Evaluation:
Boyapati Sreenu delivers a mass entertainer with a predominant focus on action over emotion. M Ratnam’s dialogues, while acceptable, evoke goosebumps at strategic moments.
Thaman’s energetic background score, particularly in the first half, enhances the film’s overall impact. Santosh Detake’s cinematography, especially in fight sequences, is top-notch.
While editing is competent, trimming unnecessary scenes in the second half would have improved pacing. The film boasts commendable production values.
Verdict:
In essence, “Skanda” stands as a mass action entertainer featuring a stellar performance by Ram Pothineni, gripping action sequences, and captivating dances. While fans and mass audiences will revel in this high-energy spectacle, the film’s simplistic storyline, illogical action, and a sluggish second half might deter broader appeal. If you can overlook these aspects, “Skanda” could be a worthwhile watch this weekend.