Title: Donga
CBFC Rating : UA
Run-Time: 2 Hrs 29 Min
Release Date: 20-12-2019
Banner: Harshitha Movies, Viacom 18 Studios, Parallel Minds
Cast: Karthi, Jyotika, Sathya Raj, Nikhila Vimal, Prasanna, and others
Music: Govind Vasantha
Cinematography: RD Rajasekhar
Editing: Vinayak
Producer: Ravuri V Srinivas
Directed by Jeethu Joseph
Story:
The son of Murthy (Sathyaraj) is missing for fifteen years. Finally, after such a long time, the whereabouts of the long lost son is found. The family comprising of father, mother and elder sister bring Sharwaa (Karthi) back. After Sharwaa’s return, strange attacks start to happen? Is Sharwaa the real heir of the family, or is he a fake in original’s place is the basic story of the film?
Performances:
Coming to the all-important brother and sister bong between Karthi and Jyothika, it is terrific. The subject provides enough moments to explore the unique dynamic between the two. It is mostly an intense and emotional work, and they do it well.
Jyothika is terrific as the elder sister. Her role has various shades to it with a twist in the tale stored at the end. The actress does an excellent job. Her screen presence adds to the gripping narrative on offer.
Sathyaraj is a delight as usual. He plays a calm and composed father withholding a dark secret inside. The second half is where his acting shines. The rest of the actors, too are adequate in their parts.
Highlights:
Karthi – Jyotika Bonding
Sathya Raj
Story
Second Half
Climax
Drawbacks:
Gets Slow At Times
Analysis:
Jeethu Joseph directs Donga. He has in the past, made the original of Drushyam in Malayalam. He is known to do a wide variety of movies, but his last few films have had a strong suspense element to them. Donga is no different, and it is the thrilling element that makes it a winner.
The movie takes time to get going. Once all the characters and motives are established, the director takes us on a thrilling journey. It begins from the pre-interval mark and continues all the way until the end.
The second half is full of twists. Some of it might be predictable, but overall it would be impossible to guess which direction the story would take a turn. The whole narrative builds towards one-thing, and suddenly, the rug is pulled under our feet. It takes us all by surprise, and that is where Donga strikes. The combination of suspense and performances make Donga an easy one time watch.
The background score by Govind Vasantha is fantastic. It creates an edge of the seat thriller kind of mood all the way. The cinematography RD Rajasekhar brings the right atmosphere. The editing by VS Vinayak is neat. The dialogues are appropriately translated without losing the essence. The producer Ravuri V Srinivas needs to be appreciated to bring strong content like Donga to the Telugu audience.
Bottom-Line: An Emotional Thrill Ride
Rating: 3/5
