Yuganiki Okkadu Review:

Prologue:

Selva Raghavan is one of the well known Tamil directors in Tollywood. 7/G Brinadavan Colony and Adavari Matalaku Arthale Verule won him accolades and fan base in Andhra Pradesh. He has his own style in dealing various concepts but mostly known for dark romantic tales such as Kadhal Kondein and Tullovado Ilamai (remade into Telugu as Nenu and Juniors respectively). Like Balachander, Balu Mahendra, Mani Ratnam and Gowtam Menon he too was the favorite director to most of our Tollywood heroes.

            Taking a break from romantic films, Selva Raghavan took up a periodic fantasy tale for which he dedicated almost three years of his time. Tamil hero Surya’s sibling Karthi who is just one film old sacrificed three years of his valuable time for this film. Based on the time travel concept, this film didn’t have a smooth journey under production. Even before the release the film faced many obstacles. Finally after many hindrances the film has seen light for Pongal in Tamil and on this Friday in Telugu.

Expectations:

The Tamil version Ayarathil Oruvan got mixed response and reviews, however it is still steady at the Kollywood box office. The brand value of Selva Raghavan (known as Sree Raghava in Telugu) is working in the favor of film’s fate. Despite of the mixed talk it generated in Tamil, Yuganiki Okkadu is still a much anticipated film by Telugu film folks. Especially, Selva’s fans waited eagerly for the film to hit screens. Ever since the film’s trailer appeared on TV screens they went gaga over the film. And it is no wonder that Yuganiki Okkadu got thunderous response and opened to almost full houses all over AP.

Story and treatment:

The film has a unique storyline which is completely different from the run of the mill stories. One doesn’t get a clue of the proceedings and can’t predict what follows next. The story shows lot of promise at the beginning but as it unfolds it gets more and more complicated and confusing. Selva Raghavan’s treatment given to this story is not completely convincing. Due to the excessive editing done to the Telugu version the screenplay has gone out of place at times. It would have been more appealing and engaging if the director’s cut is released in Telugu without ‘cutting’ his ideas bluntly citing commercial reasons. It seems like Selva Raghavan has lost clarity in dealing the second half in a convincing manner. Saying so one cannot take away any of the credit from the master film maker for coming up with such a brave attempt.

Actors and Technicians:

Karthi, brother of Suriya, son of veteran actor Siva Kumar has it in him to make it to the top list. He showed lot of promise in his debut vehicle Paruthiveeran itself. He has lots of ease and his performance in comedic scenes is a delight to watch. However, he was on the bulkier side in this film. He has to lose few kilos to attract young audience. Reema Sen is a revelation in this film. This is undoubtedly the best work of her till date. She got into the skin of the character and lived up to director’s expectations in every frame. Andrea is just OK. Parthiban as Chola Prince has brought life to the character. The senior actor is brilliant and believable in his role. All the supporting actors performed within their limits. 

                Music by Prakash is good. The background score deserves a special mention. The film is rich on the technical front. Cinematography is top notch. Every frame is a visual treat. Art work is excellent. However the editing department failed to some extent. Selva Raghavan scores as a director and handled his resources very well. He is successful in bringing his ideas on to the screen. His fans will certainly come out of the theatres with heads high, feeling proud to be his admirers.

Final Say:

On the technical front this is definitely one in a million!

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