Okka Magadu Review

Okka Magadu came up with lot of expectation. Especially, due to the fact that it is coming in the combination of YVS Chowdary and Balakrishna. The film could not stand up to the expectations. However, YVS stood on his word and projected Balakrishna in a very different style. The film, though reminds of Bharateeyudu, is good in concept.

Story in short: Satyam (Balakrishna) from Venkatapuram is the most respected person in his and neighboring villages for what he has done to uplift the standard of the villages. Not only that, he is one man army too. He lives with his family and his grandmother (Simran). They cannot tolerate injustice. On several occasions, Satyam reacts to some unjust events. An old man fights those very same incidents. Now, the question is if the old man is Satyam or if he is someone else. Who is Okka Magadu and what is his identity reveals the answer to this question and this should be seen on the big screen.

Positives: Highlight of the film is undoubtedly Balakrishna. His looks and performance are superb. The film also has some very powerful and applaud able dialogs. Few episodes stand highlight. Concept and direction are good.

Negatives: Narration suffers in the first half and a little in the second half. The length of the film that runs to 3 hrs. Lengthy first half, unnecessary tracks of Nisha Kotari and Anushka; they might have been inserted to appeal to the mass. Songs are good but come as speed breakers to the narration.

Performances: It will surely be a feast for Balakrishna fans. His looks and costumes made rich difference to his appearance. YVS should be applauded for one thing. Many directors have promised showing Balakrishna in the way the fans wanted. But probably this is the role and film that will cater to Balakrishna fans.

Balakrishna in the old getup also should be applauded. His make up is very effective. In few scenes, one wonders if NTR is kept in mind while designing this makeup.Simran plays grandmother to the protagonist. Her makeup looks very artificial and so is her performance in that role.

Nisha Kotari and Anushka provide the required glamour in the film and that is pretty much why they are there for. There are some double entendres in the Nisha Kotari and Balakrishna episode that could have been easily edited out of the film. They provide no good to the story or the concept.

Raghu Babu, Asutosh Rana, Subba Raju, Sivaji Raja and others did their roles to content. Krishna Bhagawan did his part well with his comedy liners.

Technical: The concept picked is good. There is some lag in the first half and also in the second half; probably due to the heroine tracks and songs. Execution could have been better. The direction and concept are good and carry the trademark of YVS Chowdary. However, it is the narration that suffers as the film has lag moments. The songs are also done to his standards. However, the songs come up right after a very good scene or scene that is building tempo.

Also, the film reminds of several films like Bharateeyudu, Last Samurai etc. The flashback episode, during the time of British rule, seem to be a very loyal adaptation of Mel Gibson's Patriot.

Music by Mani Sharma is good and apt. Dialogs are a big asset to the film. 'Pedavi dhatani mataku rajuvu nuvvu; pedavi dhatani mataku banisavi nuvvu' , 'lakshallo okkadini, lakshamandhiki okkadini', 'yudhamlo satruviki evvaru weakness lu cheppanu.. kani nenu chepthunna.. nako weakness undhi… kottadam modhaledithey aapanu… paripothey venta tharimi mari kodatha' are just a sample. But the highlight dialog of the film is when the CM asks Satyam, 'ye kulam needhi'. It is very nicely penned and is uttered with such elegance.

Production values are excellent. The sets and costumes strikingly show the uncompromising attitude of the producer. Being the producer and director for this film, YVS did his part very well.

Overall, the film projects Balakrishna in a macho role and will be very much to the liking of the fans. The concept picked is good but could have been better presented. Balakrishna's performance and YVS's execution are countered by heroine tracks and characters.