Don Seenu - Movie Review

Analysis:
I would say, Malineni Gopichand as a debutant director has succeeded with this movie. But is definitely not a big hit, this is a movie for masses who want only entertainment with all kind of commercial aspects (romance, action and locations). Because of the excellent production values, movie has really come out well even with such a weak story line. Music by Mani Sharma (in songs) is disappointed, though the RR is good. Ravi Teja as usual has done a fabulous job (especially as a dumb character with Brahmanandam – is highlight - he did amazing job). First half of the movie is quite enjoyable but when it comes to second half, the movie is full of surprises with variety of twists (totally illogical) – director failed in convincing the audience with his presentation. Major assets for the movie are Ravi Teja, Shriya Saran, Cinematographer - Sameer Reddy and Producer - Venkat (with excellent production values). Overall the movie is made with all kind of commercial ingredients and will be a treat for the commercial audience and masses, but will be a little disappointment for Class audience.


Detailed Report:
Director was not clear with his script and especially about the characters – he started the narration of the movie by saying that (with Jagapathi Babu’s Voice Over) the hero is a great fan of Amitabh (as in Don) who wants / decides to become a big Don in his real life. First few scenes in the movie were quite interesting and immpressive, but as the movie is running to its end the flavour is completely changed into a family drama with no justification to the title. Debutant director Malineni Gopichand should not select such a risky story line (mixuture of underworld and family backdrops). During the first half of the movie a normal audience will always be in an impression that, Don Seenu’s one and only ambition is to become a famous Don and would never think about anything else other than that single motive. But in the second half the director shows a different story line (Kasthuri’s Story – as a flash back) and totally changed his presentation – this is a kind of deceiving the audience. Otherwise the movie has every commercial element which will certainly entertain a normal audience up to his/her expectations for a typical Ravi Teja’s Movie. Ravi also did a fantastic job as Don Seenu, with an extra-ordinary understanding of such a challenging role (in fact this character – Don Seenu – is not justified – as in his previous movie Dubai Seenu). If the director was trying to make this as Dubai Seenu, he should have a little more clarity and grip on the script – which will in turn help him in presenting the movie with much more accuracy (Malineni actually tried to follow Sreenu Vaitla’s style of movie making but finally failed with his limited experience).

Coming back to the actual story line of the movie - it is good but not convincing. Ravi Teja with his current high image should not have accepted such a risky role with little bit of contradiction in the story line, but finally with his vast experience and energy levels, succeeded in entertaining / convincing the audience. Shriya Saran after 5 years again did a full length role in a telugu movie and is a real asset for the movie with her mind blowing costumes and expressions; Anjana Sukhani (debutant to the Telugu film industry) did a decent job with a classy duet with Ravi Teja. Cinematographer - Sameer Reddy is another key asset for the success of the movie without whom the outcome would have been hopeless. Having discussed about the typical story line it is always difficult to show a great climax..(Director obviously failed in showing a convincing climax, which is the key point that promotes the movie to the long run).

Music in Songs is not up to the expectations (2.75/5) but RR was good (3.25/5) and Cinematography, comedy - actors' performances and dialogues were really good (3.5/5) – Shriya Saran’s come back to tollywood is a major asset, in addition to Ravi Teja’s energetic performance and Image. Overall movie deserves (2.9/5). Worth watching - a typical Ravi Teja’s Movie, but don’t expect any logic in it – just go and enjoy the comedy, locations and Shriya’s beautiful manifestation.