Dongala Mutha Review

Movie: Dongala Mutha

My Rating: 2/5

Banner: Shreya Productions

Music: Sathyam (theme song)

Lyrics: Sira Sri

Cinematography & Editing: FX School and VFX

Producer: Kiran Kumar Koneru

Story,Screenplay & Direction: Ramgopal Varma

Cast: Ravi Teja, Charmee, Prakashraj, Lakshmi Manchu, Subbaraju, Sunil, Brahmanandam, Brahmaji etc

Release Date: 18th March 2011

Review

Story

Sudhir (Ravi Teja) and Rani (Charmee) are married couple whose car faces a problem and nearby, they see a resort. On entering there, both of them come across unusual staff with unusual names (Subbaraju, Supreet, Brahmaji).

Not liking the atmosphere and the behavior they decide to leave the place. However, a situation leads them to discover that the staff is not real but a bunch of thieves who actually kidnap a businessman (Brahmi).

While Sudhir, Rani try to escape the story takes a twist with the arrival of Shiva (Lakshmi Manchu) and her assistant Richard (Sunil) who claim to be thieves as well. What happens after that forms the rest of the story.

Artists Performance: 

Ravi Teja has come up with a decent act. However, he has a mild body language and minimal energy levels in this one and this may not go well for his fans.

Charmee looks naturally seductive and she does her bit aptly. The impressive thing about her is the diction in Telugu which has come out flawlessly from her. She can start dubbing for her own voice from now on.

Lakshmi Manchu looks cute and even cuter is her Telugu. Performance wise, she is neat and made her presence felt.

Prakashraj was consistent, nothing different from him. Subbaraju was effective, Supreeth brought few smiles, Brahmanandam was usual and did his bit as required. Brahmaji was unique with his body posture. Sunil was literally silent. 

Highlights:

* The making of the film with Canon 5D cameras

* Theme song

* Charmee and Lakshmi Manchu’s sensuous appeal

Drawbacks:

* No storyline

* Fickle comedy in second half

Final Analysis:

First things first, Ramgopal Varma must be appreciated for his self conviction in thoughts and beliefs. The very idea of coming up with a film in barely 5-6 days and that too with a paltry budget is commendable. Added to that, the making is technically efficient and it is on par with the regular mainstream cinema.

However, what Ramu must realize is audience is choosy and when a brand like him is coming up with a project, the level of expectation is high. While the experimental thought is acknowledged, Ramu should also realize that there is an aspect of entertainment, content required to give the audience their money’s worth.

The first half of the film is packed up with patience-testing monotonous scenes. Ravi Teja walking from room to reception and reception to room loosens grip on audience. And second half introduces many good artistes like Lakshmi Manchu, Prakash Raj, Brahmanandam and Sunil but the director failed to extract what the audiences expect from them.

Overall, the team must be appreciated for their efforts and the cast for their convincing performances despite a hollow script. At the same time, this is not a film meant for the regular audience or those who seek formula films.