'GodFather', produced by Super Good Films and presented by Konidela Production Company, was released in theatres today (October 5).
Story
PKR, the Chief Minister of a Telugu State, breathes his last. His demise triggers a succession war in his political party. Jaidev (Satya Dev), PKR's son-in-law and Sathyapriya's (Nayanthara) husband, has got deep connections with the drugs mafia. He wants to get hold of the political party and rule the State with an iron fist. This is when Brahma (Chiranjeevi), a gutsy aide of PKR, arrives on the scene. While Jaidev underestimates him, he proves to be a quintessential enfant terrible.
Performances
Chiranjeevi reprises Mohanlal from the original ('Lucifer') in his distinct style. Mohanlal's performance in the original was somewhat impassive, true to the spirit of Mollywood realism. The Megastar, on the other hand, tends to uplift his character with his Midas Touch. It's vintage Chiru at times. One wishes the first half had more of him.
Salman Khan's presence doesn't quite excite the audience. His action scene should have been choreographed way better.
Satya Dev shows menace to a good extent, although the sophisticated dialogue delivery is not always striking. Nayanthara doesn't look vulnerable the way Manju Warrier did in the original. She looks the way her character was reimagined.
Samuthirakani as a mean cop is good, while Murali Sharma as Jaidev's deputy conveys the right mood. Puri Jagannadh's journalist character has been cut short compared to the original. Tanya Ravichandran, Sunil, Brahmaji, Divi Vadthya and Anasuya Bharadwaj have got consequential portions; Brahmaji's characterization is impressive. Shafi and Getup Seenu have a couple of good scenes.
Technical aspects
Thaman's songs make for good choreography. Surprisingly, even the Chiru-Salman dance number is enjoyable on the big screen. It is proof that mood and character development add grace to a song. The background score is a plus. Nirav Shah of '2.0' and 'Valimai' fame shoots the challenging portions effectively. Marthand K Venkatesh's editing is a plus.
Analysis
Director Mohan Raja proves yet again that he knows how to cut to the chase while doing a remake. The portions involving Nayanthara and the power politics involving MLAs fall in the realm of an adaptation more than a remake.
In the original, Mohanlal takes a long time to make a dashing entry. Chiranjeevi gets to the point and makes his rivals dread dangerous consequences in no time. While the source material was good, the remake makes the best use of its leading man.
The Biblical references are absent. In their place, we hear lines like these: 'Shiva tandavam aade Kaala Bhairavudu, Nippulu kakke suryudu'. At the start, we read that he who saves the king is anonymous. Is this an attempt to deify Brahma, the hero? Whichever way you see it, it works. 'The king and king maker are made by Brahma,' declares Brahma in an explosive scene.
The second half gets better in terms of Chiranjeevi-centric moments. The climax is staged without pandering to the spiked expectations of an audience infatuated with the KGF movies.
Salman Khan's character seemed artificial in the trailer. It somehow looks fine in the film.
Closing Remarks
Watch this political action drama for its conviction, themes and performances. You won't be disappointed.
