Starring: Kartikeya, Neha Shetty, Ajay Ghosh, Rajkumar Kasireddy, Srikanth Iyenger, Auto Ramprasad, Goparaju Ramana, LB Sriram, Satya, Vennela Kishore, Surabhi Prabhavathi, and others
Director: Clax
Producer: Ravindra Benerjee Muppaneni
Music Director: Mani Sharma
Young actor Kartikeya’s latest venture, “Bedurulanka 2012,” directed by Clax, is a comedy-drama that has generated significant buzz in recent days. With a solid cast including the rising star Neha Sshetty, the film’s release has finally arrived. Let’s delve into how it fares.
Story:
Set in the fictional village of Bedurulanka in the year 2012, the movie delves into themes of greed and human behavior. The narrative follows Bhushanam (Ajay Ghosh) and his cohorts as they exploit the anxieties of the village populace, who are apprehensive about the speculated apocalypse on December 21, 2012. Shiva (Kartikeya), a native of the village, stands up against their manipulative tactics. Assisted by his friends and his love interest Chitra (Neha Sshetty), Shiva endeavors to expose Bhushanam and his gang’s true intentions. The heart of the story lies in how Shiva unmasks their deceitful schemes.
Positives:
The film delivers a commendable message about the exploitation of innocent beliefs by fraudulent spiritual leaders. The incorporation of the 2012 apocalypse concept adds depth to the narrative, enhancing the credibility of the godmen’s manipulation. The portrayal of the wit and satire characteristic of the Godavari region’s people is effectively captured in the film’s initial half-hour.
Kartikeya impresses with his performance, leveraging his comedic timing to its fullest. His character’s evolution is well-crafted, transitioning from a carefree young man to a responsible individual determined to rescue his fellow villagers from the clutches of these spiritual charlatans. Neha Sshetty shines as the village belle, sharing appealing chemistry with Kartikeya.
The climax is a highlight, depicting the villagers’ uninhibited revelry when Shiva urges them to live truthfully in the face of an impending apocalypse. This sequence is executed in a delightfully zany manner. The film effectively employs tongue-in-cheek humor, particularly in scenes featuring Ajay Ghosh, Srikanth Iyengar, Rajkumar Kasireddy, and Auto Ramprasad.
Negatives:
While the film kicks off with an intriguing premise, the pacing falters as the narrative progresses. The first half contains certain superfluous scenes that dilute the overall impact. These segments could have been streamlined to maintain consistency.
The interval point is adequate, but the subsequent scenes lack vigor and fail to maintain the initial momentum. This results in a sagging middle section that becomes a tad tedious. While sporadic one-liners inject brief moments of amusement, the depiction of the chaos during the anticipated apocalypse could have been more engaging.
The mid-section’s drama feels convoluted, hindering the overall flow. The concluding song falls short of expectations and briefly disrupts the viewing experience. LB Sriram’s role, though promising, could have been better utilized.
Debutant director Clax has selected a captivating subject for his film and endeavors to narrate it in an engaging manner. The film’s strength lies in its concept, setting, and performances, keeping viewers invested. However, while the movie starts and concludes well, the middle segment lacks the same level of appeal. The film leaves some potential untapped, despite an intriguing premise.
Verdict:
In summary, “Bedurulanka 2012” presents an enticing premise alongside moments of amusement. Kartikeya, Ajay Ghosh, and Srikanth Iyenger deliver commendable performances. The central idea holds promise, but its execution falls short of its full potential. Despite a strong beginning and conclusion, the middling portions suffer from inconsistent storytelling. With its minor flaws, including a longer runtime, the film remains a watchable option for those willing to overlook these drawbacks.
