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Kondaveeu is a small village, and its head sits and delivers
judgment from a simhasanam. But the get up given to the characters,
scenes like prominent women performing yaginas and rites to
the deceased provide a mystic atmosphere of a historical or
folklore. Something like 'Palnadu war'. The story has he feel
of th mythological fiction 'Ramanjaney Yuddham' - a war between
god and his devotee.
Dasari and Mohanbabu play two important roles. Ramachandra
Naidu (Dasari) is the respected head of this village, while
Satti (Mohanbabu) is his most trusted, humble and obedient
lieutenant.
The narration is in flashback narrated by Satti. It tells
how some rivals of Ramachandraiah, especially Nagamanamma
Naidu (Jayachitra), bring his downfall, creating a rift between
him and his Hanuman like devotee a grudge against Ramachandraiah,
as the latter's father (Ranganath) banished Nagamani's father
Gangadhara Naidu (Magunta Sudhakar) from the village, finding
him guilty of a big crime. Irate Gangadhara Naidu stabs the
old man dead and later kills all his family members by pushing
them into a river and then commits suicide.
Like pawns in the game of revenge, Soundarya, Laya and Udayabhanu
get to play a role of their own.
There are innumerable characters we fail to notice at one
stage. Even the clarity of the story line gets lost, because
of these flashbacks within flashbacks.
The film's first half is composed more interestingly compared
to the second part that gains tempo only after the entry of
Udyabhanu. The romantic song picturised on her and Harshavardhan
is dominated by rich technical values in all departments.
Udayabhanu is simply superb.
It is histrionic challenge for Dasari presenting the role
of Ramachandraiah, that sounds more like Brahmanaidu of 'Palnati
Yuddham. He meets the demand well putting forth all his experience.
He is dignified throughout. Mohanbabu, for a change, stays
subdued till his character becomes chief of the village. He
shows this transformation with ease. Both Jayachitra and Sakunthala,
seasoned actresses, seasoned actresses, leave their mark helped
by their special get up and the atmosphere built around these
venomous roles.
Music by Koti is laudable, while photography is the technical
highlight.
Had the story been narrated straight, avoiding flashbacks,
playing up main roles, adding a pinch of social purpose and
fun, the film would have looked altogether different, clear
and delightful.
courtesy:
The Hindu
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