Aa Naluguru Telugu Movie
Veteran actor Rajendra Prasad comes up with a brilliant performance as an idealistic father in Telugu film "Aa Naluguru". The tragic role he essays is perhaps the best in his career though it runs contrary to his image as comic hero.
The film itself does not rise to the same heights. An insipid screenplay and heavy melodrama mars the show.
Handsome Raja of "Anand" fame plays a role with negative shades, while veteran actress Aamani makes a strong comeback as the obedient wife.
Composer R.P. Patnaik comes up with a slightly offbeat album.
Rajendra Prasad, who has acted in 200-odd films, is still the most sought after hero for comedy roles. By breaking away from his stereotype, he proves his versatility. He is the third actor in Telugu cinema, after the legendary Akkineni Nageswar Rao and N.T. Rama Rao (known to fans as NTR and ANR), to fit into such a role.
Aamani, who has given memorable roles in "Subalagnam" and "Mavichiguru", had quit acting after marriage. But now she wants to play some meaty roles. This is an ideal comeback role for the natural actress.
Director Chandra Siddharth, who failed to impress in "Apudapudu", deserves a pat for choosing a subject that celebrates moral and ethical values. He, however, makes the film rather verbose and message-oriented, diluting the entertainment.
The story begins with Rajendra Prasad leading a happy life with his wife Aamani, two sons and a daughter. He upholds the values of journalism as the editor of a daily. He spends his income on his family as well as social causes. But life turns topsy-turvy for him when his sons demand money to begin their careers.
Since he is reluctant to give bribes, conflicts break out and his wife sides with the children. He is forced to borrow money to help them.
You have to watch the movie to know what happens to a man who pledges his pride in order to borrow.
And it is worth watching for the veteran actor's sake.
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