Film: ‘Nenu Naa Raakshasi’; Cast: Rana, Ileana, Abhimanyu Singh, Ali, Mumaith Khan, Subbaraju and others; Producer: N. Srinivas (Bujji); Writer-Director: Puri Jagannadh; Camera: Amol Rathod; Music Director: Vishwa and Rahman; Rating: **
Puri Jagannadh’s film always creates interest before its release mainly because the way the talented writer-director narrates his story and chooses the title.
His blockbusters including ‘Pokiri’, ‘Desha Muduru’, ‘Idiot’ and Kannada film ‘Appu’ have made him the most talked about director in the south Indian film industry.
But recently the director has been making utterly disdainful commercial films. His previous movie ‘Golimar’, a reasonably successful film, did not have the imprint of a Puri film.
Desperate to get a big success, he has been using more commercial elements in his films, which have affected his credibility and have also disillusioned his fans.
His latest venture ‘Nenu Naa Rakshasi’ featuring young actor Rana Daggubati and glamorous Ileana is another letdown. The film’s story and narrative lacks coherence and logic.
Fast-paced narrative has always been a strong point of Puri’s movies, but ‘Nenu Naa Rakshasi’ is an exception. The second half bores you so much that you even think of walking out of the theatre.
Puri should be complimented for writing a story on a sensitive issue like suicides, but he has not handled it properly. Puri ends up making a cheap and a below average product.
The first half looks pretty fresh with an engaging narration, the film falls flat in the post interval period where the story is more confusing. Puri has clearly messed up in post interval period when the film turns into a worn out commercial potboiler. Precisely the reason as to why the second half of the film looks too predictable.
The comedy tracks used to be a highlight of Puri’s films, but he has gone several steps down by showing a cheap comedy track in the film involving Ali and Mumaith Khan.
The story revolves around Abhi, a sharp shooter who kills for money. Then there is Meenakshi, who has a suicidal tendency and at the same time she enjoys shooting suicide incidents and uploading them on youtube.
Abhi somehow connects to her after first meeting, but she does not relent even after Abhi kills a rowdy who has been harassing her. Meanwhile, a cop is investigating who is uploading suicides on the internet.
There is another angle to the story – Ratna, a victim of Abhi’s killings, which ended the lives of his father and brother, wants to take revenge.
Then the film’s story takes a turn and location shifts to Venice where the climax is shot. Finally, the reasons behind Meenakshi’s fascination for uploading suicide videos is revealed.
Rana’s physique and height apart, his performance needs improvement. He has style, but not the energy required to play such a dynamic role.
Ileana’s glamour is exploited in the songs. Abhimanyu Singh, Subbaraju and Kota’s performances match requirements of their roles.
Music is good and camera work is effective, but the film fails to get the nod mainly because Puri has failed as a director and writer.
‘Nenu Naa Raakshasi’ will disappointment fans who have been eagerly awaiting for the movie.
