Kathanam Movie Review
Anasuya Bharadwaj had made some notable roles in films like Kshanam (Jaya Bharadwaj), Soggade Chinni Nayana (Bujji) and Rangasthalam (Rangamma Atta). But she has been looking for good break as lead actress. Finally, she managed to find a lead role in Kathanam that totally revolves around her. Did the film give her much needed break? Unfortunately, the film fails to deliver. Read on to know where the film has gone wrong.
What is it about?
Anu (Anasuya) is an aspiring filmmaker who has been struggling to get her first chance to prove her mettle. And then she impresses four producers with her serial murder mystery story. Soon, she realizes that VIPs are being murdered exactly the way she had written in the story. This shocks Anu as everything she wrote is becoming true in real-life. She approaches ACP Randhir (Randhir) to avoid further deaths. What is the mystery behind it? How Anu’s past is linked to the murders?
Performances:
Anasuya is alright as Anu. But it is her second role Aravindamma in the film that leaves a mark. Anasuya shines as Aravinda who is self-less and serves for her people. It is the role that probably impressed her to sign the film on the dotted line. Rest of the performances are okay. Avasarala Srinivas does a good job. But he got limited screen presence. His character should have been handled well. Randhir is good as investigating cop. Dhanraj is fine. Vennela Kishore’s track tickles funnybones.
Technicalities:
Debutante director Rajesh Nadendla has tried his best to offer food-for-thought with some twists and turns in the script. He tried hard to make the film look like an intelligent revenge drama. But weak screenplay is what plays the spoil sport. Writing should have been better. As the story gets unfold, the film turns predictable. The film should have been crispier. Camera work is fine. Music could have been better. Background score should have been more subtle, intense.
Thumbs Up:
Twists
Vennela Kishore Comedy
Thumbs Down:
Screenplay
Direction
Background Score
Analysis:
First things first. Kathanam gives us a dejavu feeling. One can’t help, but the first half of the film reminds us of ‘A Film By Aravind’ and the second half of the film reminisces us of Bhaagmathie and Arundhati. While the twists are nicely written and placed, but director Rajesh fails to hold the intensity once the twists are revealed. The film turns flat and it becomes predictable.
There is a scene in the first half where Anasuya tells what Kathanam means. Unfortunately, that is what director Rajesh couldn’t get it right in the film. Barring some good scenes and handful of twists, the film ends up as a disappointment. It is not all that bad, but the film just sans the X factor. Vennela Kishore’s comedy track in the first half evokes some laughs. Dhanraj too gives some relief in this serious revenge drama. Dialogues are good at portions. Scenes could have been better. Overall, Kathanam is another revenge drama.
Verdict: Fails to Thrill
