Story:
Ranadheer (Laksh Chadalavada) is a happy-go-lucky, money-minded driver with a penchant for risks. Rajguru, a terminally ill patient, must be urgently shifted in an ambulance from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad at the behest of a political bigwig (played by Himaja). However, there is a twist – hordes of thugs are determined to thwart this mission. Tasked with the challenging assignment is Ranadheer, accompanied by a quirky anesthesia specialist (Mirchi Kiran) and a proficient doctor named Amrutha (played by Neha Pathan).
The rest of the film is about why Rajguru's safety is important and how Ranadheer is dragged into a high-stakes web of political scandals.
Performances & Technical Departments:
Laksh has been trying to rebuild his image as an actor. 'Dheera' has him in the role of a driver who combines brain and brawn. While he can pulverize dozens of goons, he is smart enough to have backup plans and an unreal ability to absorb shocks. He enjoys the slow-motion shots that encourage him to display swag.
Neha Pathan looks good and also emotes well. Soniya Bansal is seen in a not-so-lengthy role; the rom-com scenes involving her are just a timepass stretch with no relevance to the story. Mirchi Kiran's comedy could have been better. Bhadram is seen as a crazed patient undergoing surgery without anesthesia.
Sri Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara and Chadalavada Brothers mount the film on a moderately average scale. Sai Kartheek's music could have benefited from a more contemporary touch. Kanna PC's cinematography is decent.
Analysis:
At first, 'Dheera' takes off as a character-driven entertainer where the male lead's grey shades seem to drive the plot. He believes that money is an emotion and is searching for something that can dominate it in his life. He salvages himself by wilfully putting himself on the line.
Director Vikranth Srinivas gives the story a cat-and-mouse chase treatment. At one point, the film takes the form of a survival thriller where the patient, the driver and the doctors in an ambulance must save their skin at all costs. Then, 'Dheera' also assumes the form of a road thriller with so much happening on highways. The second half is more cogent and tight, unlike the first half which is all over the place until the pre-interval phase.
The storyline revolves around the challenging task of rescuing a young life while simultaneously navigating a web of political cesspools. Suman makes a brief yet impactful appearance in a relevant role. Notably, the portrayal of a woman seeking refuge is commendable for avoiding emotional manipulation. The intensity of shootouts and ambush attacks is heightened through hero-elevation shots.
Vox Verdict:
'Dheera' is an action entertainer anchored by political machinations. The clash between the hero and political bigwigs could have been written with more weight and believability. Laksh Chadalavada delivers a decent performance for someone trying to establish himself as an emerging action hero.
Rating: 2.75/5
