Movie: Anando Brahma
Rating: 3/5
Banner: 70 MM Entertainments
Cast: Tapsee, Vennela Kishore, Vijay Chander, Tagubothu Ramesh, Shakalaka Shankar, Prabhas Seenu, Srinivas Reddy, Rajeev Kanakala and others
Music: K
Cinematography: Anish Tharun Kumar
Editor: Shravan Katikaneni
Producers: Vijay Chilla and Shashi Devireddy
Written and directed by: Mahi V Raghav
Release date: 18 Aug 2017
Tapsee who is making waves in Bollywood has returned to Tollywood to act in a horror comedy "Anando Brahma". She is known to pick the right subjects and the film has generated good hype. The trailer has also upped the expectations.
Let's find out if this horror-comedy has lived up to the expectations.
Story:
Ramu (Rajeev Kanakala) comes down to Hyderabad from abroad to sell off his parents' house. His friend tells him that the house is not getting right price as it is possessed.
A guy comes forward (Srinivas Reddy) to prove that it doesn't have any ghosts. If he proves this, he will get good commission, promises Ramu.
He brings three other people (Vennela Kishore, Tagubothu Ramesh and Shakalaka Shankar) who are in need of money to stay in the house.
Now the battle begins with the guys and the ghosts (Tapsee and gang). What happens next?
Artistes’ Performances:
The film is completely dominated by comedians. Although Tapsee is the central figure of the cast, she has a very limited role, almost like a guest appearance. She is okay.
Shakalaka Shankar mimicking various actors has done a terrific job. His performance is hilarious.
Vennela Kishore once again generates good laughs as a person who has hearing problem and night-blindness.
Tagubothu Ramesh's comedy in the bathroom episode is the main highlight. In other roles, Rajeev Kanakala and Raghu Karumanchi impress.
Technical Excellence:
Ninety per cent of the story revolves around the house. Hence the film needed better artwork. The art directors have done a commendable job. Cinematography is also decent. Screenplay and dialogues are also effective.
Highlights:
Concept of the movie
Second half
Comedy scenes
Drawback:
Flashback episodes of comedians
Middle portions
Analysis:
Of late, horror comedies have become monotonous. The genre was losing its appeal. Director Mahi V Raghav has clearly understood that he needs to give a total spin to the genre if he has to attract the audiences. So, he cleverly took the concept of humans trying to scare ghosts.
The film begins slowly and establishes the point perfectly. The first 30 minutes of the movie is set aside for the basic drama -- revealing why Rajeev Kanakala is trying to sell the house, the house being occupied with four guests and the introduction of four comedians. Then the fun factor begins.
When the four comedians enter the house to stay there and prove that they don't fear ghosts, entertainment scales high. For nearly thirty minutes in the second half, you can't stop laughing. Director Mahi V Raghav has created such hilarious sequences. More than the story and concept, it is entertainment in the second half that is an asset.
Each character has different issues -- Vennela Kishore has hearing problem, Tagubothu Ramesh turns into a different guy once he drinks, Shakalaka Shankar lives in the characters of movies when he watches them on TV.
Srinivas Reddy has a hole in his heart and he has to laugh when he gets scared as part of "reverse emotional therapy". These problems are used effectively to generate laughs when the ghosts try to scare these guys.
The film completely belongs to Shakalaka Shankar, Tagubothu Ramesh, Vennela Kishore and Srinivas Reddy as they make the episodes riveting.
Despite not so impressive first half, the second half comes as a surprise and is hilarious. The director has shown his grip and mark in handling the comic situations effectively.
On the downside, the film is a bit lengthy despite it having just 123-minute run-time. The flashback episodes of comedians are boring especially that of Srinivas Reddy and Shakalaka Shankar.
Overall, one can watch it for its comedy and second half. Among the recent horror comedies, this one is a bit different and has more laugh-out loud moments. It will appeal to audiences who are seeking some decent comedy.
Bottom-line: Comedy Spirit