Rakta Charitra: Movie Review

Ram Gopal VarmaVivek Oberoi, Abhimanyu Singh, Shatrughan SinhaFrom its bloodbathbeginning, Ram Gopal Varma very intensely asserts that brutality, gore, violenceare essential characteristics of . The story in itself is nothing more than a regularrevenge-drama but what makes you connect compellingly with the chronicle is thefact that it’s a biographical adaptation of a real-life character who wasonce the most dreaded name in South India. So Paritala Ravibecomes Pratap Ravi (Vivek Oberoi) in RGV’s version of therebel-turned-politician’s life history. Pratap is an ordinary student whogoes against the law and turns an outcast to avenge the assassination of hisfather and brother by the hands of the upper caste ruling politicos. The rivalryextends between Pratap and the politician’s heir Buka Reddy (AbhimanyuSingh). Pratap comes into power as he joins politics under the party offilmstar-turned-minister Shivaji (Shatrughan Sinha). As he terminates all hisenemies, he gains more and more command over the city. Rather than adisclaimer, the film starts with declaration of being based on a true story.Though the names are faintly amended, the characterizations are clearly derivedfrom real life entities significant in Paritala’s life. Writer PrashantPandey puts together important events in Paritala’s life, as the firstinstallment of establishes the rise of his character. Of course the narrative works onlyone-dimensionally towards glorifying him as a hero, never showing him in anyother perspective. Also elements of fiction (like his love story) are altered inthe account to add to the drama and entertainment. Ram Gopal Varmasticks to his brooding style ofshot-takings that never goes wrong in an intense drama like this. So AmolRathod’s cinematography comprises of sepia tones, extreme close-ups shots,unusual angles and erratic movements which at times even do to complete 360.Jayesh Dhakkan’s sound design is hard-hitting and Nipun Gupta’sediting is sharp. Javed Eijaz choreographs raw action sequences which arerealistically gruesome with blood essentially written all over it. Even thetitle song interspersed with Sanskrit and chants is reminiscent of theme track and succeeds inhaving a similar effect. Despite being a political drama, Ramu neverdelves deep into the intricacies of the affairs of the state and keeps the storystraightforward for easy understanding. At instances, killings in the film comeas unexpected as death would come in real life. The scene where Pratap murdersthe minister (Kota Srinivasa Rao) in the first half comes so unexpectedly thatit takes time to sink into your senses. Evidently it brings back memories ofBhiku Mhatre’s termination from RGV’s (1998). Also in AbhimanyuSingh’s Buka Reddy, Ramu gives you a venomous villain who expresses lustin his eyes and cruelty in his actions, like never seen before. Thepace is fast and doesn’t give you time to ponder over proceedings. Amidstthis, you certainly do not appreciate an item number by Sukhwinder Singh. Themovie starts with a voiceover and while you assume it would end after theprologue, it continues throughout giving the film a docu-drama feel. Moreoverthe aged and accented narration irritates after a while. Also the narrativeintroduces characters of an intelligence officer (Sudeep) and a commissioner(Darshan Zariwala) that never come back in the plot after their one-scenemention. Perhaps Ramu seems to have planted these characters in the prequel tobe put into better use in the following episode of. Ram GopalVarma brings back the Vivek Oberoi that we lost after. The actor is in terrific formand pulls off his role very confidently. The angst and attitude that he bringsto his character is amazing. Abhimanyu Singh is superlative as the hotheaded andeccentric opponent. Shatrughan Sinha (sans his moustache) is presented likenever before. He is authoritative and has immense screen presence. Radhika Apteas Ravi’s love interest is restrained. Ashwini Kalsekar, Zarina Wahab,Kota Srinivasa Rao and Anupam Shyam lend good support. The film endsrather abruptly as Ramu promises more action in the sequel, showing glimpses ofwhat’s in store, pretty much like a television episode culminates. Theviewer’s disappointment for a definite climax is substituted with theanticipation emerging from the introduction of a new opponent to Vivek Oberoi inthe form of Suriya. With that Ram Gopal Varma very compellingly pulls offIndia’s first film conceived in two chapters from its commencement.Finally RGV has better sequels to offer over and. Lookingforward!Till then relish . This is a ‘bloody’ good film. GoodFollow us on Twitter for more stories