Film: “Kedi”; Cast: Nagarjuna, Mamta Mohandas, Anushka (special role), Brahmanandam, Shaji Shinde, Harshavardhan and others; Producer: D. Shivaprasad Reddy; Writer-Director: Kiran; Music Director: Sandeep Chowta; Camera: Sarvesh Murari; Rating; ** 1/2
Kiran’s directorial debut “Kedi” is weak in its content and strong on visuals. The story does not have any freshness and the screenplay is neither path-breaking nor has any elements of novelty. The film has less commercial elements.
The first thought that comes to mind after coming from the theatre is how a seasoned actor like Nagarjuna agreed to do this kind of film.
To be fair to Nagarjuna, he really tries to salvage the film on his own. He is the backbone of the film. His looks, style and dialogue delivery appeals. Nagarjuna, who turned 50 last year, looks so charming on screen that it is not surprising that he enjoys such a huge female fan following.
Other major highlight is Sarvesh Murari’s cinematography – it is trendy and stylish. Art department has also done a fantastic job.
But where is the story? The so-called story is so thin and uninspiring that you find many things being repeated often. Except for a couple of dialogues in some sequences, Kiran has not shown his talented in writing.
Comic scenes also fall flat and the item number of Hayek and the song picturised on Anushka fail to ignite the screen as expected.
The film opens off with the hero narrating his story to a police officer. But it drags and the slow pace tests the audience’s patience.
Nagarjuna rocks in the film. Mamta Mohandas has a deglamourised role and she looks tired and sad in most of the sequences. Brahmanandam’s comedy doesn’t impress. Sayaji Shinde is predictable.
Sandeep Chowta has scored good background score and two songs are well composed. The songs shot in Greece are visually appealing.
“Kedi” is just an above average fare.
rounak