Watch Konda Polam for the authentic performances and the realistic background. Director Krish retains the spirit of the novel and adds his own touch to it.
Prabhatha Rigobertha
Sannapureddy Venkatarami Reddy’s novel Konda Polam is a hugely acclaimed novel for many reasons. It addressed many significant topics, one of which is the need for coexistence between man and nature. It was also about the protagonist getting rid of his inner demons and facing life with confidence.
Director Krish retains the spirit of the novel and adds his own touch to it. At the same time he removes certain unnecessary chapters from the novel like the smuggling one. Krish’s touch can be seen in the way he builds up the love story between Vaishnav Tej’s Ravi and Rakul Preet Singh’s Obu. The character of Obulamma is a creation of the director but it never feels unnecessary or unwanted. Through the characters of both Rakul Preet Singh and Hema Krish gives a feministic touch.
The biggest achievement of Krish is how he sets up the tale with the help of a fantastic technical team.
The movie begins off with Ravi attending an interview at the UPSC board. His aim is to become a forest officer. Though he is fluent in English he requests Nassar along with the other officers to conduct the interview in Telugu, highlighting the right to speak in one’s own mother tongue. From there we move to a flashback that tells you about the journey of the protagonist from Nallamala forest to this current interview.
The biggest achievement of Krish is how he sets up the tale with the help of a fantastic technical team. Gnana Sekhar’s cinematography beautifully captures the locales. Although the film was shot in Vikarabad forests and Anantagiri, it has the authentic feel of Nallamala forests. They are a treat to watch. The art direction is another department that deserves full marks. Rajkumar Gibson creates an authentic milieu that has a lived in feel. You never feel any sense of artificiality.
Another thing that Krish gets right is the character growth of Ravi.
Another thing that Krish gets right is the character growth of Ravi. Initially we see him in a perpetual state of fear whether it is in the boardroom or back home in village. He is jerky whenever he is asked why he hasn’t got a job yet. The transformative journey begins when he is sent by his grandfather to Konda Polam. If his biggest fear in forest is tiger, his biggest fear in life is not getting a job. Krish combines both these aspects and shows how Ravi overcomes both.
Rakul Preet Singh’s Obulamma is a character that will be remembered for a long time just like Samantha’s role in Rangasthalam. While Ravi might look more knowledgeable in the outside world, but it is Obulamma who is superior to him in terms of sheep rearing and the ways of the forest. She turns into a guru for Ravi and teaches him the ropes of the forest. The way the love story has been weaved into the bigger picture is very appreciable.
Rakul Preet Singh is a revelation in her part. She portrays the de-glam role with absolute conviction.
Rakul Preet Singh is a revelation in her part. She portrays the de-glam role with absolute conviction. Vaishnav Tej is earnest and delivers a sincere performance.
One of my other favorite characters is of Ravi Prakash. There is a brilliant monologue scene where he speaks to his wife over the phone and breaks down. It is a highly emotional scene that moves us to tears. Ravi Prakash is absolutely brilliant. Sai Chand also deserves appreciation for his wonderful acting. After Uppena it is the second time that Vaishnav Tej and Sai Chand are acting together as father and son and the comfort level shows. Kota Srinivasa Rao has a small role but the veteran actor is a delight to watch.
After Uppena it is the second time that Vaishnav Tej and Sai Chand are acting together as father and son and the comfort level shows.
The use of Rayalaseema dialect is also pretty impressive. The accent never comes across as odd. However there are certain heavy dialogues by some characters that seem strange given their background.
The songs and the background score by Keeravani is definitely a minus. Except for the Obulamma song nothing really works. Couple of romantic songs also act as speed breakers. The background score is too loud and it distracts you somewhat from the watching experience.
Watch Konda Polam for the authentic performances and the realistic background.
A good review, but differ with comments on music, the forest goers will hum their songs throughout their journey to forget their stress, so the total movie gives that feel. I felt like that. The songs planned in continuous stretch. whether the music good or bad I can’t say, but journey with music, songs is good feel, at least for me.
Happy that you liked the review. Good for you that you liked the music.