Rudrangi, the much-anticipated period action drama starring Jagapathi Babu, Mamata Mohandas, Vimala Raman, and Ashish Gandhi in key roles, has finally hit the screens today. Directed by Ajay Samrat, the film takes us back to the 1940s, exploring the story of a ruthless monarch and his encounters with a mysterious woman named Rudrangi.
Story
The narrative revolves around Bheem Rao Deshmukh (Jagapathi Babu), a merciless ruler and womanizer who rules over Rudrangi, treating its inhabitants as slaves. With his confidant Mallesh (Ashish Gandhi) by his side, Bheem Rao marries Jwala Bhai (Mamta Mohandas) while already being married to Meera Bhai (Vimala Raman). Dissatisfied with Jwala Bhai's tomboyish nature, he distances himself from her.
However, everything changes when Bheem Rao crosses paths with Rudrangi (Ganavi Laxman) and becomes captivated by her beauty. But as he delves deeper into her life, he discovers a shocking truth that alters the fate of the people of Rudrangi.
Highlights
Undoubtedly, the show belongs to Jagapathi Babu, who delivers an outstanding performance as the ruthless Bheem Rao. His portrayal is menacing and captivating, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Ashish Gandhi also shines in his role, effectively showcasing his character's anger and revolt against Jagapathi Babu's tyranny.
Ganavi Laxman impresses with her portrayal of Rudrangi, driving the entire second half of the film. Mamta Mohandas is a force to be reckoned with as Jwala Bhai, stealing the show whenever she appears on screen, especially in the adrenaline-pumping interval block.
The first half maintains a rapid pace and keeps the audience engaged with its well-designed characterizations and high moments.
Critique
While the first half is satisfying, the film loses momentum in the second half, failing to maintain the adrenaline-pumping moments and the impact established earlier. The pacing dips, making the movie feel lengthy, and the emotional scenes could have been presented with greater depth.
Mamta Mohandas, who shines in the first half, becomes sidelined in the latter part of the film. Additionally, the action blocks and climax lack the desired impact.
Technical Aspects
The production design and sets stand out, authentically capturing the bygone era. Aayesha Mariam's costume designs add to the film's visual appeal, along with Santosh Shanamoni's commendable cinematography. The music by Ais Nawal Raja serves the film well, while the editing maintains a decent flow. The production values are also praiseworthy.
Director's Effort
Ajay Samrat's direction does justice to the film's central theme, highlighting the issue of oppression effectively. The casting is well-done, and he maintains consistency with the film's tone. However, the second half fails to live up to the promising start, lacking in emotional depth and impactful action sequences.
Conclusion
Rudrangi is an ambitious period drama with powerful performances, especially from Jagapathi Babu and Ashish Gandhi. While the film explores the theme of oppression, it falls short in maintaining its momentum in the second half, leaving the audience with mixed feelings. Mamta Mohandas' impressive presence in the first half makes one wish for more from her character. Overall, Rudrangi is an engaging watch, though with some flaws, and could be worth considering for a weekend movie outing.
Rudrangi (2023) - info
- Release date: 07 July 2023
- Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
- Director: Ajay Samrat
- Writer: Ajay Samrat
- Stars: Jagapathi Babu, Ashish Gandhi, Prabhakar Kalakeya