The Times of India, TNN, Jun 22, 2018, 05.03 PM ISTCritic's Rating: 1.5Cheater Ramachari is a hero who tries to fight against social odds such a demonetisation, prostitution and black money. He cheats the greedy and helps the needy people. But then he gets caught by the police, after which the story takes a different angle, which is a blend of sentiments, action and confusion.
The debut director-actor has put in a lot of effort in the making of the film keeping a rustic tone and using an intriguing background score. But he seems confused whether he was making a short film and movie. Imagine watching a short film for about two hours...well that’s how it is. The cinematography and the direction of the film are fairly decent. Barring the screenplay, the film surely drives an important message to the viewers.
The film begins in an interesting fashion, with a director and his assistant writing the script of a film. The director explains the character of Mr Cheater and how he cheats a lot of people. The biggest problem with the narrative is that there is no continuity. From a simple narration, the scene suddenly changes to police arresting the hero and then to the friendship between hero and the villain. It makes the film look very amateur and sloppy. The second half of the film takes an emotional turn, but confusion reigns high. The director has tried very hard to connect the dots but has failed miserably. Maybe, that's what happens when you stretch the film too much.
The only good thing about the film is the message. It would have helped if the director had restricted the story to one concept which might have given a boost for the film, but this film is more likely the definition "Jack of all and master of none." Ramanejeya, the villain is the backbone of the film. His acting is what makes the film worthy compared to the other actors in the film. Well, considering a debutant director-actor it is a decent effort.
- Nithya.Mandyam