Monday Jan 05 2009, Hyderabad

King Nag is back!

December, his luckiest month, has come to the rescue of Akkineni Nagarjuna again. 'King', relased on Dec 25, is all set to become a blockbuster for the superstar who has had his big hit three years back, in 'Mass'.

Director Seenu Vytla scores a hat trick with this movie; his last films, 'Ready' and 'Dhee', were huge hits.

'King' is a well-packaged film, with an eye-full of the superstar (three eyefulls rather, for he plays three roles!).

Nagarjuna, fast approaching 50, radiates energy and youthful charm in all three roles. Trisha Krishnan is the female lead and Mamta Mohandas appears does an interesting cameo.

Strength: The Nagarjuna charm

Weakness: Screen lag!

B.O. Verdict: Great Opening

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Ravi Teja: The wait continues!

Ravi Teja needs a big hit to reclaim his status in Tollywood. His last outing, 'Baladur', was a colossal flop. 'Neninthe' directed by Puri Jagannath, is also headed towards the same direction, it seems.

The film is based on the life of the director himself. The story is about a young film director who overcomes several obstacles in his personal life to emerge victorious in the end.

Ravi Teja plays the director and Siya plays a junior artist who falls in love with him.

Strength: Hot songs; excellent comedy

Weakness: Looks like a docu-drama

B.O. Verdict: Average

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3. Tanish: Second debut?

Sai Subhakar, the child artiste of yesteryear, debuts as hero with the screen-name, Tanish, in 'Nachhavule'. He plays Lava Kumar, a teenager who wants to become a Casanova!

Debutante Madhavi Lata, as the female lead, gives a good account of herself and vibes well with the hero. Director-turned-actor Kasi Viswanath is excellent in the role of the hero's father.

The film is directed by Ravibabu. The songs, composed by Shekar Chandra, are already a hit.

Strength: Fine performances, breezy screenplay

Weakness: Slow start!

B.O. Verdict: Above Average

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4. Varun Sandesh: Happy Days, again!

Hero of the trend-setting 'Happy Days', Varun Sandesh, betters himself in his second film, 'Kotha Bangaru Lokam'. The Srikanth Addala film, already past 70 days, is a roaring hit with Gen Y.

Varun essays the role of a middle class boy who falls in love with a rich man's daughter, played by Swetha Prasad. Varun has given a mature performance.

Prakash Raj and Jayasudha, after the blockbuster 'Bommarillu', have once again teamed up to give a splendid performance.

The screenplay is taut. Chota K. Naidu (Cinematography) and Mickey J. Meyer (Music) have done a good job.

Strength: Good screenplay

Weakness: A few overstretched scenes

Verdict: Hit

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5. Krishnudu: Big is Beautiful!!

'Vinayakudu' is a cool movie from new comer Sai Kiran Addivi.

It is an unususal love story --between a fat youngman and a slim, sweet lass. The director handles the simple yet difficult theme with remarkable finesse; the film is a rage in Andhra Pradesh.

Krishna alias Krishnudu, as the fat, reluctant Romeo, is very impressive in the title role. Krishna, a former assistant director, had made his debut as an actor in Sekhar Kammula's 'Happy Days'. Sonia, who sizzled in 'Happy Days', has come out with another creditable performance.

Strength: Great performances

Weakness: Slow narrative

B.O. Verdict: Hit



-FS Desk