Director: Clax Star
Cast: Kartikeya, Neha Shetty, Ajay Ghosh, Rajkumar Kasireddy, Srikanth Iyenger, Auto Ramprasad, Goparaju Ramana, LB Sriram, Satya, Vennela Kishore, Surabhi Prabhavathi
Produced By: Ravindra Benerjee Muppaneni
Music By: Mani Sharma

Emerging actor Kartikeya is currently making waves with his latest comedy-drama titled “Bedurulanka 2012,” directed by Clax. This Film has been generating significant buzz in recent days due to its promotional material. The talented Neha Sshetty stars alongside Kartikeya as the female lead. With the movie now in theaters, it’s time to see how it performs at the box office.

Story:

The film “Bedurulanka 2012” is set in a fictitious village by the same name, taking place in the year 2012. The storyline delves into themes of greed and human behavior. The central plot revolves around Bhushanam (played by Ajay Ghosh) and his group, who attempt to exploit the fears of the villagers regarding the supposed apocalypse scheduled for December 21, 2012. However, a local resident named Shiva (portrayed by Kartikeya) stands up against their machinations. Shiva seeks assistance from his friends and his love interest, Chitra (played by Neha Sshetty), in his quest to reveal Bhushanam’s true intentions.

The movie’s narrative begins by introducing its characters gradually. Once the primary characters are established, the director introduces the romantic relationship between the lead characters, which is somewhat lacking in depth. The film includes some interesting sequences related to spirituality and comedic moments involving Daniel, the pastor.

One notable flaw in the film is its lengthy runtime, especially in the first half. The initial conflict is somewhat unclear, leaving the audience puzzled about the villains’ motives. Clarity only emerges shortly before the interval, when the hero initiates his rebellion. There are moments of redemption in the latter part of the film.

“Bedurulanka” excels in its use of humor and its underlying message. Protagonist Shiva raises thought-provoking questions about superstitions and exposes fraudulent practices in the name of religion. However, the film struggles with pacing issues, sometimes dragging and other times rushing through scenes. The climax feels rushed, and certain cinematic liberties are taken, making the plot quite predictable as the story progresses.

Writer-director Clax could have addressed these shortcomings, including the unnecessary songs that disrupt the film’s flow. Some of the film’s strengths remain underutilized. Additionally, the lack of suspense in the storyline results in a somewhat predictable narrative. The dialogues are well-written but may not sit well with religious individuals due to their commentary on God and religion. Profanity is used sporadically and sometimes with double entendre.

The final song in the climax is notably over-the-top, leaving viewers perplexed about its relevance. Overall, “Bedurulanka” manages to connect the dots and tie up loose ends by the end, but it leaves audiences with mixed feelings. It is a promising story hindered by uneven storytelling.

Performances
Kartikeya steps into the realm of satirical humor for the very first time in his career, and he effortlessly embraces this uncharted genre. Neha Sshetty takes on the role of a village girl, exuding her charm when the situation calls for it. Her character has its own limitations and truly shines in the moments of music and romance. Ajay Ghosh, portraying Bhushanam, also known as Bedurulanka Chiranjeevi, steals the spotlight. Srikanh Iyyengar (Brahmam) and Auto Ramprasad (Daniel) bring forth great amusement, with these three characters taking center stage and propelling the narrative. Goparaju Ramana also receives a substantial role, while Vennela Kishore, Satya, and Getup Sreenu make occasional appearances in the latter half of the film, playing short but pivotal roles in advancing the storyline.

Regarding the technical aspects, drawing inspiration from the concept of “Yugantham” or “Doomsday,” writer-director Clax weaves an intriguing tale set in a fictional village. As a debut director, Clax shines in his storytelling but faces challenges in execution. The film does have some areas where improvement is needed. Mani Sharma’s songs are passable, but he truly showcases his talent in the background score. The cinematography deserves special recognition, while the editing work is serviceable.

Advantages
Concept
Humour & satire

Drawbacks
Unnecessary songs
Draggy portions
Predictable & cinematic elements

The post Bedurulanka 2012 (2023) Telugu Movie Review first appeared on ObserverofIndia.com.