Katamarayudu movie review: A commercial potboiler meant for a Pawan Kalyan fan

Katamarayudu
Director: Kishore Kumar Pardasani
Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Shruti Haasan, Nassar, Tarun Arora and Ali
Rating: 3/5

It’s tough to take eyes off Pawan Kalyan in Katamarayudu, and it doesn’t matter if you’re his fan or not. The man’s charismatic screen presence - in a dhoti-clad, moustache-twirling rural avatar -- comes as a blessing for the film which he shoulders so effortlessly and keeps one entertained till the end. Even though a remake of Tamil film Veeram, and that’s not a major concern, Pawan Kalyan makes this otherwise routine commercial flick work and how.

A Pawan Kalyan film is no longer about a great story. It’s made up of mass-appealing moments -- packaged in such a way that it can send his fans into a tizzy -- and there’s no dearth of it in Katamarayudu. The introduction scene, for instance, or the train fight sequence are best examples of how some select moments work big time, especially when coupled with appropriate amount of comedy and drama. Those who have watched Veeram will agree there’s nothing to rave about its story and the same applies to its Telugu version too. However, minor changes in Katamarayudu come as a pleasant surprise and work quite well.

Riding high on the Pawan factor, Katamarayudu is a strong comeback for the actor after the disastrous Sardaar Gabbar Singh. While most ridiculed his decision to star in a remake, and said that he’s taking the easy way out, the fact that the film doesn’t disappoint is a good enough reason for the makers to celebrate.

Having already worked with Pawan in Gopala Gopala, Kishore Kumar Pardasani directs this commercial potboiler like a true Pawan Kalyan fan. He understands what the fans want and delivers it in a golden platter. He is aptly supported by Anup Rubens whose music, especially in some key scenes, gives the film much needed boost.

Pawan holds film together and he is at his best here. It’s his show all the way. The supporting cast doesn’t quite have much to do and are decent in their respective roles.