Story:

“Tiger Nageswara Rao,” directed by Vamsee, delves into the life of a notorious dacoit, portrayed by Ravi Teja, and the events that led to his criminal activities during the 1970s in Andhra Pradesh. The film is framed as a biographical account of this intriguing character.

Plus Points:

1. The film takes on the challenging task of narrating the life of a dacoit, and the efforts put into researching and detailing the character’s journey are commendable.
2. Ravi Teja delivers a stellar performance, effortlessly stepping into the shoes of Tiger Nageswara Rao. His portrayal of a morally complex character is convincing and praiseworthy.
3. The supporting cast, including Anupam Kher, Jisshu Sengupta, Nassar, and Renu Desai, offer solid performances, enhancing the overall narrative.
4. The first half of the film is engaging and filled with intriguing moments, effectively establishing the enmity between the lead characters.

Minus Points:

1. A major drawback of the film is its extended runtime, which hampers the overall impact. While there are emotional and action sequences, the excessive length dilutes their effectiveness.
2. The second half of the movie tends to be inconsistent in its storytelling, moving from depicting criminal activities to redemption. This shift impacts the film’s pacing and narrative cohesion.
3. Excessive violence and over-the-top action sequences may not resonate well with some sections of the audience, and a more balanced approach could have been taken.
4. The film takes certain creative liberties, which may not sit well with viewers looking for authenticity in a biopic.
5. The VFX work in the film is a letdown and doesn’t live up to the standards expected in contemporary cinema.

Technical Aspects:

1. The music and background score by GV Prakash Kumar are passable, with a mix of good and not-so-appealing tracks.
2. Cinematography by Madhie is a standout feature, offering visually appealing sequences.
3. VFX work, however, falls short of expectations, affecting the impact of action scenes.
4. Editing in the first half is commendable, but there are redundant scenes in the latter half that could have been trimmed.

Director’s Perspective:

Director Vamsee’s efforts in terms of research and storytelling are evident, especially in conveying the circumstances that led to the Stuartpuram residents turning to a life of crime. While the first half of the film is fast-paced and engaging, the second half could have benefited from more concise storytelling and a tighter narrative.

Verdict:

“Tiger Nageswara Rao” offers an intriguing glimpse into the life of an infamous dacoit and his impact on the Stuartpuram community. The film boasts a compelling story, with Ravi Teja delivering an outstanding performance. While the first half maintains engagement, the overextended runtime, inconsistent narrative, and creative exaggerations could be a deterrent for some viewers. If you can endure the lengthy duration, “Tiger Nageswara Rao” might be worth a watch this weekend, primarily for Ravi Teja’s compelling portrayal.