Andhra Pradesh

Old wine in new bottle

Film: Pandurangadu

Cast: Balakrishna, Sneha, Tabu

Direction: K. Raghavendra Rao

K. Raghavendra Rao rehashes the 1957 NTR-starrer ‘Panduraga Mahatyam’ with Balakrishna playing the dual role of lord Krishna and his devotee Pundarikudu. The vintage film had emphasised certain family values like care of parents by showing Pundarikudu ill-treating his father and mother and eventually repentance through elaborate episodes. The audience goes through emotions of hate for the principal character and then empathy for his retribution. But here, Ragha vendra Rao skips all such vital pointsand devotes more time to the character of the prostitute (Tabu), replenishing the film with commercial embellishments up to the interval.

The film in short is about an atheist, who has complete disregard for his parents, seeks the company of a prostitute and throws his family out of the house. Certain events in his life change him and eventually he becomes a devotee of his parents and the lord grants him salvation. The music strings help propel the film more dynamically. Sneha comes alive on screen with her realistic performance. Tabu falls short of the demands of her character while K. Vishwanath brings dignity to his role. Humour is negligible.

Because this film is more geared towards expectations of fans rather than to genuine storytelling, there aren’t any surprises or even hints of narrative tension. The director continues his fetish for throwing fruits and flowers at the heroines and succeeds in balancing the audience’s wanton for escapist thrills. However, he quickly falls in line and the moderately enjoyable film is uplifted by Balakrishna’s action.

As lord Krishna, he dresses up like a woman. He comes up with some arresting moments in the final scenes and the mere inclusion of these elements, the dialogue between god and devotee alone may inspire some critics to look kindly upon this film as a welcome respite .

Y. SUNITA CHOWDHARY

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu