Monday Jun 02 2008, Hyderabad

Pandurangadu, a film for all

Directed by - K Raghavendra Rao

Produced by - K Krishna Mohan

Music by - M M Keeravani

Casts - Nandamuri Balakrishna, Sneha, Tabu, Dr. Mohan Babu, D. Vishwanath and others.

Banner - RK Films

 Remaking an old classic is not only challenging, but also daunting.It will be interesting to watch how the successful combo -- K.Raghavendra Rao and M M Keeravani-- handles this project.Will they be able to create the magic from the mythology and make it main stream?               The story of Lord Panduranga is a part of 'Skanda Purana', one of 18 Puranas, the treasure house for divine stories.'Tenali Ramakrishna', on the Astadiggajas of Sri Krishna Devaraya wrote 'Panduranga Mahatyam', taking the gist from Skanda Purana.

Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao directed the film 'Panduranga Mahatyam' in the production of Trivikrama Rao in 1957, taking Pundareeka Vriththantham from Tenali Ramakrishna's 'Panduranga Mahatyam'.Earlier, the legend, late Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao(NTR), played this role which is been still green in the mind of millions.Let us go in to the details and see whether Nandamuri Balakrishna will match his father. Story:               Pundareeka Ranganathudu(Balakrishna) is a wanderer even though born in a Sathbrahmana family.Inspired by Lord Sri Krishna's stories from his childhood he becomes a philanderer and neglects his parent's advices.

He used to run away from home when his parents made marriage proposals.               Lakshmi (Sneha) is a devotee of Lord Krishna.Her family will be excommunicated from the village due to an incident.               Pundareeka eventually falls in the trap of a crooked prostitute Amrutha (Tabu) and loses everything.She betrays him along with her mother (Y.

Vijaya) and grabs his property.His parents are shocked at his behaviour.              Situation lead to his marriage with Lakshmi.Even after his marriage he continues to be of fickle minded.He becomes lustful and tries to enjoy the river goddesses Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswathi.

On one occasion Pundareeka meets Saint Dr.Mohan Babu) who spendss whole time in the service of his parents.He tries to kick a Saint Mohan Babu) with his leg but gets paralytic stroke.He realises that his paralysis is due to his sins.He turns repentant and become, and finally he gets salvation because of his Bhakthi.

Here starts the twist how Pundareeka becomes 'Pandurangadu' and has to watch the movie on the screen to know more about. Artistes’ performance:                    Nandamuri Balakrishna gave ultimate performance in the movie which bears close resembles to Nata Ratna late NTR's performance.He justified his duel role as devotee and Lord Sri Krishna.His role as Pundareeka in negative shades also grooved well.He must be appreciated for picking up this role.

                Dr.Mohan Babu who is known as dialogue king has once again proved that he stands high in delivering dialogues.His performance as Sain is simply superb.                Sneha is the right option to play the role of Pundareeka's wife.Her action has once again proved that she is the next door girl after Savithri and Soundarya.

Her performance in the climax scene is a pleasure to watch.                Tabu in glamorous role is looking as stunning as in real life.K.Raghavendra Rao's magic is seen again on silver screen.Using the elements like fruits, milk and flowers for bringing in erotic appeal is known only for K.

Raghavendra Rao.                 K.Viswanath is apt in Balakrishna's father role.L.B Sriram as Naradha was different and gave a little comic feel.

 Technical performances:                    Chandra Bose's lyrics are excellent where youth can also easily understand and other writers also done excellent job.J K Bharavi's dialogues are ok.                Music plays best role in entire film.Lord Krishna's Viswa Roopam' scene certainly deserves great mention.That's splendid and marvelous.

                K.Raghavendra Rao's efforts are rightly spread on screen.He has shown newness in many things. Analysis:                    The films of this sort should come again and again.They would teach the essence of Indian culture, bhakthi and traditions.

Film makers also should focus more on such subjects.                 'Pandurangadu' is definitely the subject that has elements to make a commercial film the subject has ample rakthi along with bhakthi.                                This film is a must watch for those who wish to know the essence of devotion to the divine and value of parents. Verdict:   Very Good                      This movie is worth a dekko.And, there’s something for everybody.

Watch  'Pandurangadu' Movie Stills