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Cast:
Mahesh Babu, Kriti Sanon, Nassar, Anu Hasan, Sayaji Shinde, Pradeep Rawat, Kelly Dorji, Vikram Singh, Posani Krishna Murali, Srinivasa Reddy, Anand, Supreet Reddy, Gautham Krishna and Sophie Choudary
Direction:
Sukumar
Production:
Ram Achanta, Gopichand Achanta, Anil Sunkara
Music:
Devisri Prasad
Sukumar has a way of writing his hero’s character. What was evident in Arya, Jagadam, Arya-2 and 100% Love is on display in 1-Nenokkadine, too. The big difference between his remarkably fresh films of yesterday and his latest commercial film of today is to be mentioned at the outset, lest the audience expect novelty, only to come out tad disappointed. 1 is perhaps Sukumar’s first formula film that has the capability to tank without a trace if Mahesh Babu’s character did not come with a difference. It’s Sukumar’s hero who is the saving grace, and the rest of the film (mostly, it seems all about chases and attacks – real or imaginary) is like a Xerox copy of Hollywood films.
Gautham (Mahesh Babu) is a self-tormented rock star. Haunted by a macabre past and living with an uncertain future, he is at a loss to differentiate reality from hallucination, truth from self-delusion. His roller coaster journey, full of bumps and confusions, begins to unravel as he is deliberately shadowed by an intrepid journalist (Kriti Sanon).
Sukumar’s heroes, for all their inner turmoil, long for love. Gautham, in the process of discovering himself and his past, falls for the heroine and the revenge story gradually develops an emotional undercurrent of its own.
The agonized life of Gautham receives help from the journo, who is sympathetic of her idol’s psychological disorder. Like in all revenge stories, the lives of the two are intertwined.
Although a gripping storyline (given that it is a mix of psychological thriller elements and Hollywoodish plot), Sukumar’s narration falls short of expectations. The length adds to our woes, so much so one feels like one’s patience is being tested.
The stage is set for an exciting film when Gautham surrenders before the police, claiming that he has avenged the death of his parents by murdering three cold-blooded murderers. Reminding us of umpteen slick Hollywood action-psychological dramas, the story introduces the angle of a disorder from which the hero is suffering. The film comes into its own only during the interval bang. Kriti’s drama keeps us guessing, but the scenes in Goa are not exciting. Barring flashes of brilliance here and there, there is nothing home to write about.
The best scene of the film, undoubtedly, is the interval bang. It’s one scene where the dialogue is at witty its best, Mahesh is at his acting best and the screenplay is at its nimble best.
The second half’s chases and fights are forgettable, as there is not much in terms of mind games or novelty. Peter Heines lets us down with is run-of-the-mill action choreography.
There is only one scene in which the tormented hero evolves to be one step ahead of his rivals and it’s a treat to watch. The twist involving Nasser and Pradeep Rawat is another high point. Sadly, Sukumar seems to have given into the demands of formula by inserting Sophie Chowdhary’s ‘London Babu’ song, which makes the pace slacken and the film look tad mundane.
Fittingly, Sukumar has delivered a lengthy film without a parallel comedy track. The few laughs which Mahesh evokes is entirely situational and it is to the credit of the script that Mahesh makes us smile even while undergoing trauma.
Amid regular chases and attacks, there is Posani Krishna Murali as a Sardarji.
Barring flashes of brilliance shown by Mahesh, there is not much in terms of the artistic content. Kriti is not a treat to watch, albeit she has got those exceptional looks to be a stylish actress. Sukumar should have worked on making Mahesh look markedly different pre and post the death of his confusion.
Master Gowtham (Mahesh’s son) makes a good debut. His character is well-written and lives through the length of the film. It’s a fitting finale that Sukumar gives a surreal touch to the climax, making Gautham’s emotions touch us.
Mahesh is a treat to watch all through. He is one actor who can spell intense emotions without much effort; he was perhaps the best choice for this film. At times, he looks glamorous and at others, he looks that pained man every bit. Others are just about ok.
Technically, DSP’s BGM works fine, although one feels jaded after a point of time, mainly due to the not-so-wise screenplay writing. The cinematographer takes a cue from many a Hollywood cinematographers.
Verdict: Barring Mahesh’s character, there is not much going for 1. Watch it with low expectations.