Everyone knows that King Nagarjuna hasn’t had a big hit of late, and same is the case with producer D.Siva Prasad Reddy. Together they have entrusted director Veeru Potla the job of finding a hit that has been eluding them and the result is Ragada. The movie seems to have all the qualities of a typical Telugu entertainer with two hotties Anushka and Priyamani starring in it. It also has a league of Telugu cinema bad guys in it. So why is Nagarjuna getting into Ragada with them, 123telugu.com lets you know.

What’s it about: Satya (Nagarjuna) is a toughie whose confidence never fades, even in dire situations. Impressed by his attitude G.K. (Dev Gill), a goon of Hyderabad, invites Satya over to finish off one of his enemies. Obviously, G.K. is intimidated not by them, but the gang leader Peddanna (Pradeep Rawat) who supports his enemies. Together G.K. and Satya plot a way to finish the enemy off, without offending Peddanna. In the mean time, G.K.’s associate Shirisha (Anushka) takes an instant liking to Satya, and tries to woo him.

Also running parallel to this story is that of Ashta Lakshmi (Priyamani), an innocent Brahmin girl, who is being chased by Peddanna’s henchmen about some other issue. She and her family insist help from Satya, though he isn’t completely helpful. With both these stories pointing towards same villain, Satya now starts reaching him. However, it is soon revealed that Satya has his own reasons to pursue Peddanna and his henchmen. Who is Satya, why he is after Peddanna, and how all these stories are interlinked to one other form the rest of the story.

What is Good: Simply put, after watching Ragada we come to understand that it is a revenge drama. However, it is not until the second half of the movie that we come to understand so. That proves to be the biggest plus point of the movie. Director Veeru Potla seems to have taken few leaves out of Puri Jagannath’s book of presenting the hero. It is not often that a hero’s name is revealed in the second half, and you still manage to like him!

The hero, Nagarjuna, hardly does any mistake in keeping his character loud, with big body movements, and camera work completely designed to suit his style. Nag looks his usual charming self, and manages the Rayalaseema accent pretty well. Together with Anushka, he puts the screen on fire in the few semi-romantic scenes. While Anushka sizzles in stylishly done apparel, Priyamani dazzles with a mix of innocence and cunningness. Yet, it is Nagarjuna who takes the cake away from the girls! He is that good.

The laugh out loud comedy scenes come from Dharmavarapu Subrahmanyam and Bharath, though Brahmanandam generates few smiles.

One cannot but mention that this is a very rare film that has too many villains. There is Thanikella Bharani, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Pradeep Rawat, Supreet, Dev Gill, Sushant Singh. Except Dev Gill, everyone does their job like we expect them to.

What is bad: While the first half keeps us interested in the proceedings the graph in the second half falls. Infact, except one or two twists in the plot, the second half has nothing new in it. It is never explained how the hero knows almost anything about anyone and everyone!

Once it is revealed that the hero is seeking revenge from kingpin and his henchmen, the screenplay seems to go hither and thither. Two songs just make the second half longer, and the climax is too convenient, and a touch too loud.

Technical Departments: : Cinematographer Sarvesh Murari does his best to elevate Nagarjuna as the hero, again and again. Same is the case with music director Thaman. He gives Nagarjuna due attention with his rerecording, and the songs are fairly done. Editing by Marthand Venkatesh is pacy, and he uses some interesting transitions. Songs have been shot well, either in interesting locations or in costly sets. Stylists of Anushka and Nagarjuna did terrific jobs too. Dialogues have been written well in parts, though it is sometimes boring to see all supporting characters praise the hero, directly or indirectly.

Director Veeru Potla should be appreciated for coming up with another ‘masala’ movie and being more or less successful with it.

Final Point: Ragadais made with one aim - get Nagarjuna back into reckoning as an entertaining commercial hero. To that extent Ragada is a big success. For a typical Telugu cinema fan it has everything. For those looking for something new, may be you could appreciate Nagarjuna’s Kurtas and Anushka’s dresses!