Dookudu Review

Is there a point to explaining the hype behind Mahesh Babu? Not really. Regardless of the film, the director, the music, the heroine or even the comedian that will be on screen for less than 1/5 of the film screen time, the title of Mahesh Babu in lead male role is enough to sky rocket the hype for any film. Whether the film delivers or not is taken as separate. In some ways, this is good for the actor Mahesh with appreciation flowing from all corners. In others, its a shame for such a versatile actor to be boxed into a bad script/film. Dookudu isn't all bad. But it definitely isn't the best either. Read on.

So here's how it goes. Ajay Kumar [Mahesh Babu] is gutsy Mumbai cop that has an equally sharp mind. His current target is Nayak [Sonu Sood], a mafia don that dwells overseas and deals in the usual criminal activities. Ajay wants he brought to justice. But his investigation shows that his ties to Nayak are deeper that he realises. Enter Shankar Anna [Prakashraj]. Father to a young Ajay, he met with an accident went into a coma although his town folk think he is dead. After his accident, Ajay was shifted to Mumbai by his remaining his family and has since never returned. That is till now. Shankar Anna is out of coma and has no idea of what has happened since. Ajay now, needs to replicate as much as possible including being his heir to the MLA posting Shankar held. Between his professional battle and personal trials, Ajay learns more about his father's accident with all of it leading back to Nayak. To get him, Ajay will bring in a host of characters to play, each getting him a step closer to his revenge. How? Watch in to find out. No, seriously! You have to watch it since it is way too hard to explain.

If Khaleja saw Mahesh strip his apprehensions and even become the butt of jokes on screen, Dookudu continues from where it left off and proceeds with a sentimental angle as well. His modulations, his expression and his attempt at a different slang are true treat for fans and non fans alike. He comes alive and is electric in every scene. Even his malasafied "Poleeess!" is a magnet for attention. Yet, he too slips behind when the spotlights zeros in on Brahmamandam and MS Narayana. The two veterans have a ball and it shows as they erase whatever past achievements and set new standards for themselves. As his father, Prakashraj is no doubt superbly fitted for the role but with the slight restriction of his "cinematic" condition, he does not get the meat to perform as well as we know he can. Samantha is cute as Prashanthi but besides her clothes, make up and dancing skill, she doesn't really get a chance to do much acting. A shame since Samantha has shown she can deliver. Please take note that the love angle of this film is at a minimal and is simply a starting point. Clearly the focus isn't the lovebirds so no comments on the chemistry as there wasn't enough time to develop it. Sonu Sood goes for a little older look with some painted grey hair but that cant take away from his 2D character losing much of its steam quite early in the piece. After Kandireega, I must say this is a little dissappointing. Nassar has definitely proved he has amazing comic timing several times before and it is great to see him show it off a little. Added bonus being that he dubs for himself [FINALLY!]. Kota Srinivasa Rao, Supreet, Subbaraju and Venugopal dont do anything different from what we have seen before. Adithya's hair is unfortunately, longer than his role. The rest are just there to fill up space.

So how do you describe Srinu Vaitla's brand of comedy? There really isn't one word. He's bankable to put it simply, on having the lead characters involved in the comedy, a drunkard/drinking scene and some crazy ideas that simply flow on screen. The man repeats his magic combo with Brahmam darling like nobodys business and if that wasn't enough, he has MSN in a role you make have seen before but not like this. This is one of those films that you can turn off your brain for but the question remains as to whether it will switch on by itself as some may find. And of course, it has some amazing visuals by KV Guhan and Prasad Murella with Mahesh and Samantha for the eye candy but its not just all visual treats. The film makes no bones in stating that you just need to sit back and let the comedy sweep you over, the action blow your mind and the witty dialogue surprise you. 

Now to the less glamorous side of the film. The negatives. In all honesty, it all boils down to only a few things and even if intentions are commendable, its these things that hinder the experience. Firstly the length. The action alone takes up a considerable amount of screen time. For action lovers it might be ok and yes it's exhilarating at times but it drag massively. If it isn't the action length, its the melodramatic dialogue. Ok, so we love our drama, but please. Inducing a heartache with a few words of someone's return is a bit much. at the same time, a father need not have done amazing things for you to want to keep him happy and safe. He gave you life as Mahesh says. Next the songs. A lot more was expected from Thaman.S after Vandhaan Vendraan[Telugulo Vachadu Gelichadu]. Without looking at previous combinations, there is a spark that is missing from the soundtrack. A note to Thaman, the louder the song doesn't equal to the bigger the hit. Really, the sheer volume of the tracks are only just bearable. Guruvaram is probably the saving grace on a very robust soundtrack but even that has its moments. The picturisation also seemed a little down-sized for two decent dancers but the background dancers attempt to lipsync and their enthusiasm make it passable. Just. While making mention of the loopholes in the script is warranted, its seems to this writer logic very rarely gets the importance it deserves in commercial films, let alone TFI.

So where does that leave us with the Dookudu? A decent film that could have been awesome, I say. Oh and it has Mahesh Babu in it. :)

Rating: 2/5