Film: Rudhramadevi
Cast: Anushka Shetty, Rana Daggubati, Allu Arjun, Nithya Menen
Director: Gunasekhar
Director Gunasekhar travelled the world, imported advanced technologies and battled against all odds to make India’s first stereoscopic 3D historical film – all because he believed in the story of Rudhramadevi.
While the film has graphics, 3D technology, high-octane war sequences and an ensemble cast, it’s fundamentally the story that stands out and makes it worth a watch.
Rudhramadevi is set in the ancient Kakatiya dynasty of Orugallu(now Warangal), a majestic kingdom ruled by Raja Ganapati Devudu (Krishnam). With the king growing old and weak and unable to produce a male successor to the throne, tension grips the kingdom, while neighbouring rulers hatch plots to seize the throne. After a long time, Ganapathi Devudu’s wife finally gives birth to a baby girl – Rudhramadevi (Anushka Shetty). With enemies within and outside the dynasty attempting to conquer the region, Raja Ganapati Devudu with the advice of Shiva Devaiah (Prakash Raj) decides to hide the real identity of the baby and pass her off as a boy by calling her Prince Rudhra Deva . Rudhramadevi’s efforts to conceal her identity as she comes of age, the challenges she faces from enemy ruler Mahadeva Nayakudu (Vikramjeet), the rising threat of bandit Gona Ganna Reddy (Allu Arjun) and her friendship with Chalukya Veerabhadra (Rana Daggubati) – makes for the rest of the story.
With a tight screenplay and an interesting plot, there’s never a dull moment. Cinematography by Ajayanan Vincent is decent. Neeta Lulla does a fine job with the costumes, while Ilayaraja’s music is first-rate. However, the visuals are slightly disappointing and the graphics fail to live upto the mark. For those watching it in 3D, one automatically expects it to be a visual treat, but the 3D technology does not have the desired impact.
Anushka Shetty does a wonderful job in the titular role and effortlessly carries the film on her shoulders. While she looks her glamorous best as Rani Rudhramadevi, she particularly impresses as warrior prince Rudhra Deva – battling soldiers and ruling the kingdom, while concealing her true identity. Rana does a decent job as her love interest and looks intense right through the film. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the film is the performance of Allu Arjun, who excels in the role of Gona Ganna Reddy. His Telangana lingo and dialogue delivery is impeccable and is bound to be a huge hit with the fans. Prakash Raj, as usual, is terrific as the wise minister. Nithya Menen is efficient in a brief role, while the antagonists Vikramjeet, Suman Talwar and Adithya Menen deliver a fine performance.
Overall, Rudhramadevi is more a story well told, rather than a visual treat. People expecting an eye-feast might be disappointed but those who want to relive an epic story on the celluloid will enjoy the movie.