'Krack', starring Ravi Teja in the lead, has released late Saturday in parts of Telugu States. Touted to be the biggest release in the career of Mass Maharaja, this pre-Sankranthi release aims to attract the entertainment-hungry crowds. Does the mass film live up to the expectations? Is it worth a watch? Here we tell you in our review.
Story
Shankar (Ravi Teja) is a gutsy cop who smashes the wrong-doers with ease. When Katari Krishna (Samuthirakani) and his wife Jayamma (Varalaxmi Sarathkumar) provoke him by eliminating a young man, Shankar goes berserk and vows to defeat them. In the process, he has to confront some tough forces. Can he eventually win?
Performances
The role of a powerful cop is Ravi Teja's comfort zone, as proven by SS Rajamouli's 'Vikramarkudu', among others. Although comparisons with that film may not be appropriate (because the actor was 16 years younger and was in his best form), he is definitely enjoyable in 'Krack'. Shruti Haasan has got a good character arc. Among the villains, Samuthirakani stands out with his smart act. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar looks the part of an Ongole woman who is known for her aggression and ruthless ways.
Ravi Shankar, Saptagiri, Devi Prasad, Vamsee Chaganti are seen in different roles. Ali and Posani Krishna Murali have bit roles. Anketa Maharana doesn't make a mark in her special song with the hero.
Technical aspects
GK Vishnu, who debuts in Telugu, shows promise. Like in his previous films like 'Bigil', the cinematographer understands the mood of the story and delivers goods accordingly. Thaman's songs, especially 'Bhoom Baddhal', sound better in the movie. The BGM is definitely a big plus.
Analysis
The film doesn't follow the usual narrative template in the first half. The story starts off in a high-profile jail and, slowly, the theatre of action shifts to Kurnool and then Kadapa. It then moves to Ongole, where the main story unfolds.
Ravi Teja shares easy chemistry with Shruti Haasan, who is a wife with a difference. His rapport with Master Satthwik, who plays his son, is entertaining enough. The romantic track is not distracting.
The entry of Samuthirakani raises the tempo. The confrontation scenes between the hero and the villain play out with conviction. Sai Madhav Burra's dialogues pack a punch.
While the first half is evenly good, the second half is uneven. After the first half an hour or so, the narration suffers and the pace slackens. There is some high-voltage violence which a section of the audience might not like.
Closing Remarks
After 'Don Seenu' and 'Balupu', director Gopichand Malineni has proven himself as Ravi Teja's go-to filmmaker. The film is most likely going to turn out encouraging figures at the box-office.