'Ma Oori Polimera 2', directed by Dr. Anil Vishwanath and produced by Gowr Kriesna, is currently playing in theatres. Early trade reports say that the dark thriller is running to packed houses in some locations. Let's find out what is in store in this movie.
Plot:
The film is a sequel to 'Ma Oori Polimera' (2021), which established that Komaraiah (Sathyam Rajesh) is a pro at 'Chetha Badi'. His expertise in black magic embittered a few men in the village Jasthipalli. To save himself from being murdered from angry mobs and to fulfil his secret mission, he ran away to Kerala.
In the second part, Komaraiah's wife Lakshmi (Kamakshi Bhaskarla), her family friend Balija (Getup Srinu) and the local Sub-Inspector (Rakendu Mouli) have conflicting beliefs about what might have happened to Komaraiah. While Komaraiah is stationed in Kerala and is biding his time to accomplish a spectacularly high-stakes task, his Babai in Jasthipalli is plotting something big. An ancient temple with loads of gold and jewelry is waiting to be looted by someone. An evil archaeologist, meanwhile, has turned avaricious.
Performances:
Satyam Rajesh gets to play the role of a lifetime here. He excels in almost all scenes. Kamakshi Bhaskarla, though, nails it better. Her stirring performance lends a nervous quality to the second half.
It is not like the film rests completely on the shoulders of the above two performers. Rakendu Mouli, Ravi Varma and Getup Srinu land many scenes, some of which actually give them more importance and mind space than they deserve. The artist who played Komaraiah's 'Pedananna' is scary and vulnerable at once.
Technical Departments:
Kushedar Ramesh Reddy's cinematography should have been way better for a film of this genre. The visuals lack finesse and it shows. Gyaani's background score is basic. Had the score attained stylistic nuances, the scenes would have been far more effective. Upender Reddy Chada's art direction is average.
The Editor must have found it hard to do justice to the tedious shifts in the timelines. The flashbacks are exhausting, something made worse by the film's inability to use the right narrative devices to tone down the confusion.
Merits:
Satyam Rajesh's character embraces detachment.
The treasure element is wedded to the temple trope. One is reminded of 'Karthikeya' and such films.
A few interesting sub-plots.
The 'Pedananna' and Ramula characters.
The twist pertaining to two women.
Elaborate ritual scenes.
Demerits:
The clash between the cop and Satyam Rajesh's character in the forest is amateurish.
Confusing timelines.
Run of the mill portrayal of the negative characters.
Vox Verdict:
'Ma Oori Polimera 2' is a decent film despite its share of narrational flaws. It doesn't reach the high standards set by the first part, though.
Rating:2.75/5
