Tiger Nageswara Rao (2023): Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja presents his career’s magnum opus, ‘Tiger Nageswara Rao,’ a film based on real-life events in Andhra Pradesh during the 1970s, directed by Vamsee. Released today, let’s delve into the film’s narrative and execution.
Plot Summary:
The story kicks off with IB Chief Raghavendra Rajput (Anupam Kher) highlighting the security threat posed by Tiger Nageswara Rao (Ravi Teja) to the Indian Prime Minister. Police officer Vishwanath Sastry (Murali Sharma) narrates the backstory of how Tiger Nageswara Rao, once a ruthless criminal, came into being.
Highlights:
Taking on the challenge of a mainstream biopic, the makers of ‘Tiger Nageswara Rao’ impress with meticulous research and effective detailing in this period action drama. The film delves into the transformation of a seemingly ordinary man into a notorious dacoit, offering insight into his motives and impact on society.
Ravi Teja, as expected, delivers a stellar performance, embodying the character of Tiger Nageswara Rao with conviction. His portrayal of the grey-shaded character adds depth to the narrative, showcasing his commitment to the role. The ensemble cast, including Anupam Kher, Jisshu Sengupta, Nassar, Renu Desai, Nupur Sanon, and Gayatri Bharadwaj, contributes significantly to the film.
The first half captivates the audience with engaging moments, portraying the enmity between Ravi Teja and his adversaries convincingly.
Areas for Improvement:
Despite good moments in the second half, the film suffers from an extended runtime, limiting its impact. Over-the-top and prolonged action sequences dilute the emotional blocks, and excessive violence may not resonate well with all viewers.
The narrative inconsistency in the second hour, shifting from depicting crimes to redemption, poses a challenge. The potential exploration of Stuartpuram’s label as a dangerous place and the residents’ denial of opportunities remains underutilized, overshadowed by lengthy action sequences.
Certain cinematic liberties, especially Tiger Nageswara Rao robbing the Prime Minister’s residence, appear exaggerated, raising questions about authenticity. Visual effects shortcomings and some clichés further detract from the overall experience.
Technical Aspects:
GV Prakash Kumar’s music and background score are commendable, with exquisite cinematography by Madhie. VFX, however, falls short, impacting the portrayal of crime-committing sequences. The editing is effective in the first hour but could have been tighter in the latter part.
Director Vamsee demonstrates dedicated research efforts, effectively conveying the reasons behind the Stuartpuram community turning to burglary. While the first half is fast-paced and engaging, the second half could benefit from improved handling, given its significance to the narrative.
Verdict:
In essence, ‘Tiger Nageswara Rao’ narrates the tale of an infamous dacoit and his transformative impact on the Stuartpuram community. Ravi Teja’s outstanding performance and a compelling storyline make the film worth a watch. The engaging first half is followed by a slightly sluggish second hour, and technical aspects contribute both strengths and weaknesses. Despite its flaws, if you can endure the extended runtime, ‘Tiger Nageswara Rao’ offers an okay cinematic experience this weekend.”