Nagarjuna's Devdas is a consolation
to watch and ensures
comic solace after a long week of
hard work. Some reviews refer to
the second half as tiresome but
the film entertains nonetheless.
Ashwini Dutt as producer and
Sriram Adittya as director helm
a very liberating, meaningful
and family-friendly movie that
conveys a great message.
The story is simple: Life and
living is more significant than
death, destruction and money.
This kind of message has been
the cornerstone of many other
movies as well, but Devdas is different
in it's the presentation,
humor, and love. That's what elevates
it to a superior
level.
This movie is surprisingly
and unusually
clean. It bears no item
songs (recall even in
Baahubali we saw a semipornographic
item song
with not one, but three
girls cluttering all over
each other). A huge added
bonus is the lack of
misogynistic comments
belittling or misusing
women; statements denigrating
castes and religions
subtly; heroic Reddys,
Narasimhas, kshatriya Putras
dominating the scene by stroking
their thick moustaches, while
jumping away with nubile 18-
something heroines; or cringe
worthy jokes on transgenders,
and physically handicapped individuals
in the name of humor.
All actors dole out great performances.
Both lead heroines
enact the roles of working
women with a mind of their
own. Though brief, Akanksha
Singh gives a memorable performance.
Nani is perfect as a
flag bearer of his "I am a Gold
Medalist and am proud of it,"
anthem. His love for humanity
comes across adorably and realistically.
I saw him last in Eega
and he looks much better since
then and grew a lot as an actor.
And coming to Nagarjuna, let
me confess to my readers that I
am biased. My opinion about
him should be taken with a
pinch of salt. I like this actor and
as a result find him great as always.
Handsomely aged and extremely
sauve, he looked
splendid, better than many of his
younger counterparts. Nagarjuna's
facial expressions and performance
are easy, controlled,
and non-rehearsed. He avoids
loud emoting. I especially liked
the unbelievable expression he
exhibits when Nani innocently
and with conviction explains
doctor-patient confidentiality.
Adorable. I personally also feel
Nagarjuna should be applauded
for taking part in this two-hero
movie and allowing equal importance
(if not more) to Nani.
It's a rare gesture in this overwhelmingly
self-centered, egotistical
film industry where each
one is looking to topple others.
The music is okay, the standouts
for me were the two songs
penned by Sirivennela
Seetharama Sastry.
A special mention about
Kunal Kapoor: Looked smashing
and performed well as well!
All in all, Devdas is a family
friendly movie that men, women
and kids can watch contently,
while leaving the theater with a
valuable message. I definitely
recommend!
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