'Gandeevadhari Arjuna' is the latest box-office release in the town. Varun Tej and director Praveen Sattaru have returned to the big screen after facing major setbacks (with 'Ghani' and 'The Ghost', respectively). What is in store in the action thriller? Find out in our review...
Plot:
Aditya Raj Bahadur (Nassar), India's Environment Minister, is in London to attend an upcoming UN Summit. A waste management MNC named C&G, led by Ranveer (Vinay Rai), wants to make India sign a deal that could lead to deadly consequences. Meanwhile, a conscientious and courageous Environmental Studies student (played by Roshni Prakash) has discovered an explosive scam that could seal the fate of the MNC.
When there is an attempt to assassinate the Indian Minister, an unparalleled and no-nonsense former RAW agent named Arjun Varma (Varun Tej) is pressed into action to provide security. Arjun has his own set of personal problems.
Performances:
Varun Tej looks suave and fits into the larger scheme of things. Since the film is a slick actioner, his sophisticated, tall and sharp looks help matters. He talks less and acts more. Nassar, who plays the second most important positive role, is adequate. As a political heavyweight battling his own personal battles, he is good.
Vinay Rai, who plays the main villain, is far from satisfactory. The talented actor continues to be given a raw deal by Telugu cinema. Yes, he doesn't seem as boring as a Tarun Arora (the 'Bholaa Shankar' villain) but he doesn't do something remarkable either. Sakshi Vaidya gets another under-written character after 'Agent'. Vimala Raman plays a damsel in distress with some dignity. Roshni Prakash might land some roles in Telugu after this film.
Technical Departments:
Mickey J Meyer's background score is impressive. He doesn't try to overdo anything. The proceedings are not loud because of him. Mukesh G's cinematography is top-notch. Avinash Kolla's production design is another asset.
The choice of locations is a plus. A fight scene takes place in a recreational club. The fighters are seen wearing towels. The setting feels fresh. That said, the dull action choreography (involving two Indians and two foreign masters) is not exciting enough.
Merits:
The central message against the developed world creating unsustainable wastage.
The music and cinematography.
The top-billed production values. Producer BVSN Prasad funds one of the richest films made with a medium-range actor.
Demerits:
The climax comes a cropper. The action here doesn't work even in fits and starts.
Lack of logic at key turns. The very premise of an Indian Minister having to depend on a whimsical security guard in London is laughable.
The rom-com track gives rise to just one scene. There is nothing more to it. If anything, there is a needless song because of the track.
The mother sentiment involving the hero feels staged.
The fights in the second half don't give any high.
Vox Verdict:
'Gandeevadhari Arjuna' is not a tight thriller. Its production values are the only positive.
Rating: 2.25/5
