In the world of Telugu cinema, there’s a certain expectation when you hear the names Boyapati Sreenu and Ram Pothineni in the same sentence. It’s the promise of unadulterated, unapologetic mass entertainment. The kind that makes you forget about subtlety, grab your noise-cancelling earphones, and brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of larger-than-life action sequences, thunderous dialogues, and a plot that’s as audacious as it is predictable. This time, the duo comes together in ‘Skanda – the attacker,’ and it’s a test of endurance like no other.
A Clash of Titans:
Chief Ministers and Chaos
Early on in ‘Skanda – the attacker,’ director Boyapati Sreenu sets the stage for the mayhem that’s about to unfold. The Telangana chief minister’s son elopes with the daughter of the Andhra Pradesh chief minister. What follows is a clash of titans, erstwhile friends turned foes, and a political showdown that’s nothing short of explosive. It’s the kind of plotline that’s tailor-made for Boyapati’s brand of cinema.
The two chief ministers, portrayed with conviction by Sharath Lohithaswa and Ajay Purkar, exchange thunderous dialogues that reverberate through the theater. “Naa inti gate kaadhu, naa state toll gate dhaatu choodham,” snarls one, challenging the other to cross his State’s toll gates if he dares. It’s a battle of ego and power that sets the tone for the rest of the movie.
Skanda’s Unique Charm:
Embrace the Extravagance
If you’re going into ‘Skanda – the attacker’ expecting subtlety and nuanced storytelling, you’re in for disappointment. This movie doesn’t care for such niceties. Instead, it revels in its extravagance. From gravity-defying action sequences to over-the-top dialogues, it’s a cinematic experience that’s as audacious as it is unapologetic.
One of the movie’s standout characters introduces himself as “Seema bidda,” proudly declaring himself as the son of Rayalaseema soil. In a storyline that seems destined for chaos, he becomes the unexpected disruptor, bringing both chief ministers to their knees. It’s moments like these that define ‘Skanda’ and remind you that it’s all about embracing the madness.
Pickles and Jars:
The Art of Threats
In ‘Skanda – the attacker,’ threats are a work of art. One character warns the chief ministers that they won’t hesitate to turn anything or anyone who stands in their way into pickles and bottle them up in jars. It’s a quirky yet oddly fitting metaphor for the level of absurdity that the movie embraces. And it’s moments like these that make you wonder whether the film is self-aware or simply reveling in its own audaciousness.
Ram Pothineni:
The Quintessential Mass Hero
Ram Pothineni, as the protagonist, delivers exactly what his fans expect – a charismatic performance that exudes machismo. He effortlessly handles the action sequences and mouths the thunderous dialogues with conviction. While there may not be much room for subtlety in his character, that’s precisely what makes him the quintessential mass hero.
Sreeleela and Saiee Manjrekar:
Adding Flavour to the Chaos
Sreeleela and Saiee Manjrekar, in their respective roles, add a touch of glamour and romance to the chaos. While their characters aren’t given as much depth as one might hope for, they shine in their moments, adding a necessary layer to the narrative.
The Technical Brilliance
Despite the loud and crude narrative, ‘Skanda – the attacker’ boasts technical brilliance. The cinematography captures the grandeur of the action sequences and the vibrant locales with finesse. The music, composed by S. Thaman, complements the movie’s energy and elevates the viewing experience.
A Rollercoaster Ride Worth Taking
In the world of Telugu cinema, ‘Skanda – the attacker’ is a testament to the enduring popularity of mass entertainers. It doesn’t strive for nuance or subtlety; instead, it goes all-in on its extravagance. If you’re willing to set aside your expectations of a tightly woven plot and character development and simply embrace the madness, ‘Skanda’ might just be the rollercoaster ride you’ve been waiting for.
So, forget nuance, and keep those noise-cancelling earphones handy. Boyapati Sreenu’s ‘Skanda – the attacker’ is a thunderous, over-the-top mass fest that demands your attention, even if it’s just to revel in its audaciousness. It’s a reminder that sometimes, in the world of cinema, it’s okay to leave subtlety at the door and let the chaos unfold.
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