After the success of Naandhi, actor Allari Naresh and director Vijay Kanakamedala reunite for an action-packed thriller, Ugram, inspired by true events, featuring Mirnaa Menon as the female lead. As the film hits the screens, let’s delve into its narrative.
Synopsis:
Shiva Kumar (Allari Naresh), a dedicated policeman, marries Aparna (Mirnaa Menon) and starts a family. However, his commitment to his job strains their relationship. Meanwhile, a string of disappearances in Hyderabad adds to the tension. Aparna eventually leaves Shiva, but tragedy strikes when she and their daughter vanish, leaving Shiva injured. The film follows Shiva’s quest to unravel the mystery behind their disappearance and the connection to the missing persons cases.
Pros:
Allari Naresh delivers a compelling performance, showcasing his versatility beyond comedy. His portrayal of Shiva Kumar is intense and convincing, particularly in the action sequences, where his dedication shines through. The film’s first half establishes a strong foundation, blending family drama with character development. Notably, Naresh’s confrontation with eve-teasers is handled with sensitivity and impact.
The action sequences, especially one pivotal scene in the second half, are well-executed, adding excitement to the narrative. Mirnaa Menon delivers a commendable performance, complementing Naresh’s portrayal. Additionally, Sri Charan’s background score enhances the film’s tension during key moments.
Cons:
Ugram falters in its handling of the central mystery, which takes a backseat until the second half. The investigation lacks the urgency and intrigue expected, dampening the overall impact. An abrupt song placement disrupts the film’s pacing, while the motive behind the kidnappings feels clichéd and lacks innovation.
The antagonist’s characterization is underdeveloped, weakening the climax’s impact. Furthermore, certain narrative threads, including Shiva’s health issues, are inconsistently addressed, detracting from the story’s coherence. Dialogue delivery occasionally falls short, and supporting characters, like Indraja, fail to leave a lasting impression.
Technical Aspects:
Sri Charan Pakala’s music and background score are noteworthy, elevating key moments throughout the film. Siddharth’s cinematography effectively captures the film’s dark tone, although editing could be tighter. Production values are commendable, but dialogue writing leaves room for improvement.
Director Vijay Kanakamedala succeeds in extracting a commendable performance from Naresh, but the film’s plot fails to capitalize on its potential. Despite its shortcomings, Ugram remains a decent action thriller, elevated by Naresh’s performance and technical strengths.
Verdict:
Ugram offers moments of excitement and showcases Allari Naresh’s talent in a different light. However, its formulaic storyline and execution prevent it from reaching its full potential. While it may appeal to fans of the genre, it falls short of being a standout thriller, making it a one-time watch for the weekend.