'Ooru Peru Bhairavakona' is the latest offering from Hasya Movies and AK Entertainments. In pre-release interviews, presenter Anil Sunkara said that the film's success holds significance to his career. Producer Razesh Danda hinted that the film's budget makes it the costliest in Sundeep Kishan's career. Let's find out the film's merits and demerits:
Plot:
In the secluded village of Bhairavakona, where punishment for deviance is severe, mysterious rituals are deeply rooted in local traditions. The influence of the Garuda Puranam pervades the beliefs and practices of its inhabitants.
Near the village, Basava (played by Sundeep Kishan), a stunt double, orchestrates a heist stealing valuable jewelry from a wedding, alongside his accomplice John (played by Harsha Chemudu). Unexpectedly, they encounter Geetha (played by Kavya Thapar), an unknown person posing as an accident victim. Basava appears to have a hidden agenda behind the theft, with seemingly noble intentions. Despite warnings, the trio trespasses into Bhairavakona. Meanwhile, Basava's estranged love interest, Bhoomi (played by Varsha Bollamma), also finds herself in the same village.
Performances:
Sundeep Kishan was underrated in 'A1 Express' and 'Gully Rowdy'. Contrary to popular perceptions, he is cool when it comes to entertaining roles. Director Vi Anand understands his strengths and has designed Basava in a less rigid fashion. As a consequence, Sundeep delivers a far better performance than he did in 'Michael'. As someone who nurtures guilt, he is convincing in a layered role.
Varsha Bollamma gets to play a performance-driven character, while Kavya Thapar gets to do a semi-glam part. It's not like the latter doesn't have any scope to showcase; she gets to do a hilarious scene involving the male lead, Ravi Shankar (in an unconventional part), Vennela Kishore (in his career's first one-of-its-kind role) and Viva Harsha (his comic timing remains underutilised, though). Vadivukkarasi brings a degree of divine presence to her role Peddamma.
Technical Departments:
Shekar Chandra crafts the sublime melody of 'Nijame Ne Chebunna', beautifully brought to life by the vocals of playback singer Sid Sriram. Raj Thota's cinematography, while competent, doesn't particularly stand out. The lackluster visual effects remain a notable point of disappointment. It's evident that the demands of the genre and the heightened expectations of post-Covid audiences have placed immense pressure on the filmmakers. Perhaps, they were forced to make budgetary compromises.
Merits:
1. Locating the plot in a fictional village.
2. The interval bang is not mind-blowing but it does make the audience wait for the second half.
3. The characters played by Vadivukkarasi and Ravi Shankar uplift the film's mood.
4. Since this is a fantasy, the director used the puzzled outsider trope well.
Demerits:
1. The film was marketed as a part-horror film. But the visuals/ideas barely spook the viewer.
2. The pre-climax and climax should have been forceful. The intended shock value doesn't exist.
3. The multi-genre nature of the film robs it of any gravitas.
Vox Verdict:
'Ooru Peru Bhairavakona' needed the kind of urgency and focus that 'Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada' had. Nevertheless, it makes for a timepass watch with ordinary expectations.
Rating: 2.75/5
