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Poor lighting, rust everywhere and lots of dust. That sums up my cinematic experience with Kalki. Weak writing, lack of character depth/intrigue, average music are major let downs for this film. Right from the first frame to the last, the director tried to create a gloomy post-apocalyptic atmosphere, perhaps that would please a cine-aficionado. But for folks who go to cinema for entertainment (a combination of action, emotion and drama), would come back disappointed. Prabhas’s character is almost comic, which he delivers with a straight face. Kamal Hassan, for the all the supposed menace had a screen time of less than 5 minutes. With the heavily prostheticised face, I am certain no acting skills are required for this role. Kamal Hassan is wasted here. Deepika has some good reel time, but her role required just one expression. Bujji one of the film’s main drawcards was dull and insipid. With the intent to draw crowds, and maybe to make up for his poor writing, several highly talented actors were reduced to mere cameos. It ended up with Amitabh doing all the heavy lifting, and he happens to be the only saving grace. And finally – the Mahabharat connect. Taking creative liberties, Aswahthama, a near negative character, is being provided some redemption. But towards the end of the film, it becomes quite clear, the director is attempting to project Karna as a greater hero than Arjuna, which we will see in the second part. This will be a total contradiction of the Mahabharat, and I am sure the audience will not be willing to get conned twice. Sure, cinema is business. The makers, with all the blitzy/glitzy marketing and paid reviews, would have made money; but this is by no means a landmark cinema.

In Sarkaru Vari Paata, Parasuram attempts to present a fan-centric, message-driven, family-oriented, humour-laced wholesome entertainer. He ends up ticking none of the boxes. The film even borders on taking the audience intelligence for granted – more on that later. A young boy who loses his parents due to their inability to payback a loan, becomes a money lender (a modern-day Shylock), chases down a defaulter and ends up cleaning up the bank system. That is the premise of the film and frankly, that is the main drawback. EMIs, NPAs, loan-defaults may be partly topical, but to base an entire film on this theme is a stretch. First let us get the few good things in the film out of the way. Mahesh Babu looks dapper. His style and mannerisms, aimed at fans, are intact. His comic timing, not seen since his ‘Dookudu’ days, is spot on. It is unfortunate, his character was not given enough scope to express more emotions. The other highlight is the ‘Kalavathi’ song. The catchy tune was well picturised. Perhaps, that is where the good things come to an end. ‘Mahanati’ Keerthy Suresh had a very poorly written role. The chemistry with Mahesh Babu looked forced. Keerthy is suitable for female-oriented role, not in a mass-masala flick. Her dance movements are not easy on the eye at all! Samuthirakani looked like he has driven straight from the sets of ‘Ala Vaikutha Puramulo’ retaining the same expression and the Rolls Royce! Vennala Kishore had a fairly lengthy presence in the first half but didn’t get any punchlines. The other characters walked through their motions. Other than the ‘Kalavathi’ song, the music, especially the BGM, looked flat. Cinematography enhanced each frame, but with no good script to hold on to, didn’t add value. The stunts were overdone; the RK Beach fight scene looked like we were watching ‘Srimanthudu’ gym fight scene on a different set. From time to time, the film gets into preach mode, but never really touches the heart. Now for the holes in the script. I am surprised that - A boy from a village in India, becomes a money lender in Miami - there is narration gap here. - In 2022, people still carry wads of money in their bags or banks give out $10,000 loan in cash. - Mr. 'Shylock’, who goes to a terrorist ‘adda’ to re-claim a few thousand $$ does not bother to do simple background or criminal check in a foreign country when giving a $35,000 loan. I guess that is love 😊 - The leading lady is actually a fraudster/defaulter and does seem to have done any time. - There are few more but do not warrant the time and space. Overall, a badly made film with a poor script. Parasuram has wasted his opportunity with a superstar. Mahesh Babu, should try to move away from the formulaic template perfected in Pokiri – an opening fight scene, followed by a song, a few comedy scenes, and mass song towards the end etc. Time for MB to rediscover himself. Is it worth watching in the theatre? Definitely not! Is it OTT watch-worthy? Perhaps.