Narappa Movie – Review

Title: Narappa

CBFC Rating : UA

Run-Time: 2 Hrs 33 Min

Release Date: 20-07-2021

Banner: Suresh Productions, V Creations

Cast: Venkatesh, Priyamani, Karthik Rathnam, Rao Ramesh, Nassar, Ammu Abhirami, Rajeev Kanakala, and others

Music: Mani Sharma

Cinematography: Sam K Naidu

Editing: Marthand Venkatesh

Co-Producer: Devi Sridevi Satish

Producers: Kalaippuli S. Thanu; D. Suresh Babu

Written and Directed by Sreekanth Addala

Story:

Narappa (Venkatesh) lives in a small village with his wife Sundaramma (Priyamani) along with their two sons and a daughter. Rich landlord Pandu Swamy (Naren) tries to get Narappa’s land which leads to a feud between the two families. Narappa’s elder son Munikanna (Karthik Ratnam) who is a hot-blooded young guy locks horns with Pandu Swamy and his son. This leads to a devastating loss to Narappa’s family. What happens next? Can Narappa protect his family from the rage of the landlord’s family forms the story?

Performances:

Venkatesh is a brilliant performer. It needs no special mention. The many landmark performances over the years are proof. Narappa is sure to become a crowning jewel among them. Venkatesh has delivered his best act as Narappa.

Right from the first frame, we do not see Venkatesh; instead, Narappa is visible before us. The weariness of a withered older man, both mentally and physically, is shown extraordinarily by Venkatesh. Many scenes stand out, but the ones before the interval bang are sure to make people teary-eyed.

It is not just the old look, which comes naturally, and we expect, but even the younger age character is essayed with conviction and intensity. Venkatesh breathes fire during the massacre sequence. On the whole, Narappa is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of part, and Venkatesh has done phenomenal justice to it. His makeover for this film is well-suited. He once again proves how perfect his selection is towards delivering various roles in unique subjects.

Priyamani playing the wife of Narappa delivers a measured and intense act. It is far off from the glamorous parts she has done in the past in Telugu and is a welcome change. Abhirami is excellent in the few scenes in the crucial second half.

Karthik Ratnam is excellent as an aggressive youngster. Rajiv Kanakala is brilliant in essaying a critical supporting role. He rises to the occasion whenever required. Rao Ramesh is reliable as usual. Brahmaji and Naren are fine in the short parts they have. The rest of the cast is perfect for their roles and enhances the film’s overall rooted appeal and look.

Highlights:

Venkatesh
Casting
BGM
Direction
Interval
Climax

Drawbacks:

Slight Drag In Second Half

Analysis:

Director Srikanth Addala is back with a bang. Even though Narappa is a remake, it still has to be executed well. Srikanth Addala has done a brilliant job in recreating the original without losing the emotional core. There are some scenes in the film like Venkatesh asking forgiveness falling to the feet of villagers, His son’s death scene. These will surely tug your heartstrings.

The highlight of Narappa is the emotional content. It is rooted in nativity, reality and has a lot of drama. With Venkatesh in the form of his life, the director’s job is made easy in this regard. The core message that the film conveys is that revenge should not be continued and most importantly one can rise from any circumstances through education only, we all should learn to live in harmony… are well-conceived.

The first half of Narappa is a smooth ride with emotions of diverse kinds. There are the undercurrent ones and loud and aggressive styles – on both types, Narappa gets it right. The build-up to the interval is both emotional and thrilling. The screenplay is to be lauded here. And finally, the interval bang takes the whole thing to the next level.

The second half, in comparison, slows down a bit, mainly due to a small love track. It is nothing major issue, though. The narrative gets back on track with the ‘chappal’ sequence. Venkatesh enters beast mode soon after to take care of the things.

The climax is neatly wrapped by delivering a key message. It is essential for the times we are in and is also powerful. It makes Narappa a must-watch affair. Dialogues by Srikanth Addala elevated the proceedings especially like ‘ Mana Daggira Bhoomi Unte Teesesukuntaru. Dabbunte Lagesukuntaru. Kaani Chaduvokkati Matram Mana Daggira Nundi Evvaru Teesukoleru.’, ‘ Oke nela meeda nadustunnaamu oke bhasha matladutunnaam, kalisi brathakalema…’

The music by Mani Sharma is good. The songs he has composed add to the feel of the movie. The background score used from the original is next level. It is goose bumps giving. The narrative owes a lot of its gripping moments to the BGM. The cinematography by Sam K Naidu is slick and realistic at the same time. The editing by Marthand K. Venkatesh is good.

Suresh Babu and Kalaipuli S Thanu deserve a massive round of applause, respectively. The former for daring to make Narappa in Telugu with a top star, and the latter for backing it.

Rating: 3.25/5
Bottom line: “Narappa” The Complete Man