Sri Rama Rajyam - Movie Review

'Uttara Kaanda' in Ramayana is the last of 7 chapters, credited to sage Vaalmiki, that narrates events post the coming home of Lord Rama & his consorts Sita and Lakshmana, after defeating the Demon king of Lanka, Raavan, leading to the end of the Rama Avatar.

I have been all ears from the day I knew that a Telugu film is being made on Ramayana for which Ilaiyaraaja is scoring music. The movie has been in the news for over a year now and has had its share of delays and controversies as well. The fact that Nandamuri Balakrishna (Balayya Babu to his fans) was embarking on playing a mythological character that his illustrious dad was best known for, the return to the marquee of yesteryear actor and octogenarian Akkineni Nageshwara Rao after almost 5 years, the audio release at Bhadrachalam and its subsequent comparison to the music (by the legendary Ghantasala) of the 1963 movie Lava Kusa of which this is a remake, the passing away of Ramana (co-writer), the protests against Nayanthara playing Sita and this being touted as her silver screen swan-song, the untimely passing away of Mrs. Jeeva Ilaiyaraaja during the post production stages etc.., ensured that the movie got its share of publicity.

'Bapu Bomma'-Sri Rama Pattabhishekam

Though my initial interest in this flick was more Ilaiyaraaja oriented, my curiosity levels multiplied when I read about director Bapu and his legendary 'Bapu Bomma' (If you own a music cd of Sri Rama Rajyam, the drawings that you see on the cover are by Bapu!). The coming together of these 2 legends after almost 3 decades (Manthri Gaari Viyyankudu, 1983, was their previous and possibly the only other outing) meant it was a must-watch for me.

From the moment the unique paintings of Bapu accompanied by Raaja's mellifluous score combined in the opening credits, I was quite convinced that I was in for a visual and aural treat. Anything else being good was only a bonus!

The movie is indeed a visual treat. Whether it is the palace in Ayodhya or the ashram of Valmiki the sets, frames and colours are beautiful with graphic embellishments all through. The art director deserves a pat for the visualization of the Palatial buildings and the imagination. We even get a glimpse of NTR! But how did they miss an opportunity to show the Viswaroopa Dharshan?!

The script itself is pretty slow in pace after the initial 20 minutes.

Balakrishna as Rama, is good. His body language, expressions and dialogue delivery are apt and justify the faith reposed in him. It would have helped if he had worked a little bit on his physique for this role. He looks a little bulky at times but that takes nothing away from his impressive performance.

If Nayanthara decides to call it quits after this film, I am sure there cannot be a better way to say good bye. She is quite a revelation as Sita. She puts her heart and soul into it and will be remembered long for this portrayal.

Akkineni Nageshwara Rao as Valmiki is an asset to the film and his screen presence and poise ensures there is stability to the narrative. The kids that play Lava, Kusha & Bal Hanuman do their portions confidently, with the bunny toothed Bal Hanuman being the pick. K.R.Vijaya (Kausalya) is at her wailing best and she along with Srikanth (Lakshmana), Murli Mohan (Janaka), Roja (Bhoo Devi) and a host of others are adequate. Oh yes! Bhramanandham was there too!

Cinematography is pleasing to the eyes. The editor may not get (m)any nominations for awards this year. The choice of junior artistes is something that could have been better. Also the choreography in a couple of songs were not upto the mark.

Ilaiyaraaja's songs and score are the backbone of the movie and he proves yet again why he is the master at the art of re-recording. The Vasanta based theme (to my limited knowledge) when Rama admires a sleeping Sita and the sarangi bit that holds the long Lakshmana-Sita conversation in the forest together are only instances of how the maestro can elevate a movie to different levels. If one sits patiently through some long winding scenes in this almost 3 hour movie, its largely because of Ilaiyaraaja's contribution.

I particularly enjoyed the placement of the 'Sitarama Charitham' song in the movie. Watch out for the shift in mood he brings into the 'Sita Seemantham' song when the event moves from the ravishing palace to the simple hermits ashram. Marvellous! Hardcore Raaja fans will miss one half of the 'Sri Rama Lera' song in the movie, but I am sure the makers had a valid reason behind omitting Sriram Parthasarathy's portion of it.

More than anything else, this is one movie that you can take your family to without any doubts. Whether its your parents or kids they will have a good time watching this.

That way you can also impart some mythological knowledge and values to gen-next.

'Sita Rama Charitham' well narrated!!