23. Bangarraju; movie review

 

BANGARRAJU

Cert 12A

157 mins

BBFC advice: Contains moderate violence

I have been watching Indian films for more than a decade but I have to admit that many cultural references and jokes still go over my head.

So, when the audience at Coventry Odeon were laughing out loud to Bangarraju, Mrs W and I felt a tad left out.

However, there was still enough for us to enjoy in Kalyan Krishna Kurasala's supernatural comedy drama.

This is a sequel to Soggade Chinni Nayana in which Nagarjuna Akkineni played dual roles, helping his son by coming down from heaven and taking over his body.

Nagarjuna returns as the same character and this time his spirit returns to help out his grandson (Naga Chaitanya).

The latter is a headstrong young man who likes to socialise with his mates and have the occasional ruck while not being inspired to work because of the wealth of his family.

His attitude is not only likely to get him into trouble but will also mean that he will not be a suitable groom for Naga Lakshmi (Krithi Shetty), the girl to whom he has been promised since childhood.

She is into local politics and a bit of a know-it-all and has little time for the frivolous Bangarraju junior.

Anyway, the young fella has a habit of saying and doing the wrong thing so his grandad decides to take his body over and put things right.

However, it doesn't always work out that way.

And while there is a concerted attempt on one side to ensure the young people hit it off, there are also those who are plotting to make certain that Bangarraju does not marry the pretty girl.

The central couple have plenty of energy and Nagarjuna and Ramya Krishna (who plays junior's heavenly mum) add some senior spark.

There are religious and cultural elements thrown into the mix and, while it is all rather frivolous, it is nonetheless entertaining.

Reasons to watch: Intriguing mix of religion, comedy, drama and romance

Reasons to avoid: Too long and requires cultural knowledge

Laughs: None from us but plenty from others in the audience

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 6/10

Did you know? The movie marks Kurasala’s third directorial under Nagarjuna Akkineni‘s production after Soggade Chinni Nayana and Rarandoi Veduka Chuddam. 

The final word. Kalyan Krishna Kurasala: "We decided to do a sequel to Soggade Chinni Nayana in 2016, when the film released. But back then, Naga Chaitanya was busy with projects like Savyasachi and Sailaja Reddy Alludu while I was busy with other things. Coronavirus pandemic further delayed Bangarraju. Nagarjuna Akkineni and I understand each other pretty well, and he has always been there to support me." Indian Express

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