Review : Rudrangi – Partly engaging period drama

Rudrangi starring Jagapathi Babu, Mamata Mohandas, Vimala Raman, and Ashish Gandhi in key roles, has hit the screens today. This period action drama is directed by Ajay Samrat. Let’s see how the movie is.

Story:

Set during the 1940s, the story is about a ruthless monarch and womanizer, Bheem Rao Deshmukh (Jagapathi Babu). Mallesh (Ashish Gandhi) is his confidant. Bheem Rao rules Rudrangi and treats the local people there as his slaves. Meera Bhai (Vimala Raman) is his wife, but to fulfill his limitless lust, he marries another woman Jwala Bhai (Mamta Mohandas).

But Bheem Rao is not happy with the tomboyish nature of Jwala Bhai, and he asks her to stay away from him. One day Bheem Rao comes across a woman named Rudrangi (Ganavi Laxman), and he falls for her beauty. Bheem Rao badly wants to have a sexual encounter with Rudrangi, but he learns a shocking fact about her. What is it? How that changed the fate of the local people there forms the crux of the story.

Plus Points:

Without an iota of doubt, it can be said that it is Jagapathi Babu’s show all the way. The actor got into the skin of Bheem Rao’s character and gave an outstanding performance that will stay in mind for a long time. He is ruthless, menacing, and stunning in the negative role. A different mannerism was designed for his character, and Jagapathi Babu just aced it to perfection. His performance was clap worthy in many scenes.

Ashish Gandhi got a very good role, and he gave a sincere performance in the movie. The way he exhibits anger and revolts against Jagapathi Babu is too good. Ganavi Laxmi was impressive in her respective role, and the entire second half revolves around her character. Vimala Raman is fine in her limited role.

Mamta Mohandas was phenomenal as Jwala Bhai. Whenever she appeared, she set the screens ablaze with her fierce performance, and especially the interval block gave an adrenaline rush. The first half was decent, and it moved at a rapid pace. There are a few high moments in the first hour.

Minus Points:

While the first half was satisfying, the second half failed to carry the momentum. Though the film’s central theme, “Battle for self-respect,” is present here, the lack of adrenaline-pumping moments causes disappointment big time.

Also, the pacing dips in the second half, and it gives a feeling that the movie is lengthy. Things could have been wrapped up a bit faster. The emotional scenes were just okay, but they could have been presented in an even better fashion to give completeness to the film.

Mamta Mohandas was terrific in the first half, which leaves one wanting to see more of her. But unfortunately, her role has been sidelined in the entire second half. The action blocks and the climax were not that good.

Technical Aspects:

The production design team did a superlative job, and the sets truly reflect the bygone era. Aayesha Mariam’s costumes are too good, and so is the cinematography by Santosh Shanamoni. Ais Nawal Raja’s music is okay. The editing is decent, and the production values are neat.

Coming to the director, Ajay Samrat, he did an okay job with Rudrangi. The way he has written the character of Bheem Rao is superb, and the casting was on point. Though Ajay sticks to his point throughout, the second half was quite underwhelming after a decent first hour. The emotions and the action blocks were not that great.

Verdict:

On the whole, Rudrangi is a period drama that tries to highlight the oppression issue. While the first half is decent, the second half is below par, bringing down the impact. Jagapathi Babu and Ashish Gandhi shine in their roles, but the emotions weren’t presented well. Mamta Mohandas’ role is subdued in the second half. Hence Rudrangi ends up being an okay watch this weekend.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

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