Rangasthalam - Review

Where should I start? I am still in awe of this great movie. What I witnessed unfold in front of my eyes is in many ways still unbelievable for me, Even before stepping into the theater I knew the 90% of the story and I knew that the only way I was going to like this movie is if Rangasthalam was on the lines of Jagadam, an intense drama from Sukumar. For me Jagadam was his best work till date. Then the lights went out and the movie started.

The movie started with a pure rustic feel showcasing a village, it's people and their daily routine so beautifully and effectively. Somewhere before the interval scene I was shocked and could not believe that this was Ram Charan movie and that Chitti Babu is actually Ram Charan. From then on Chitti babu kept on growing on me. And then towards the end I came to my senses and realized I was sitting in the theater for more than 180 minutes(including interval). That is when I realized how crafted and gifted Sukumar is to write such an awesome drama for a simple story. When the titles started rolling I actually clapped out of appreciation. 

Rangasthalam is a perfect combination of beautiful rustic visuals very well supported by brilliantly written drama, impactful background music, top notch acting performances and so much more. Rangasthalam is a perfect example of what happens when everyone in the crew and cast give in their best. 

Do not think it is a age old story said in a art movie format. Rangasthalam is as much as commercial as Dhruva is. It has humor, nice songs, very good emotional content and edge of the seat thrilling moments. Undoubtedly, this is Sukumar's newest best. This is some world class writing from Sukumar. Rangasthalam script can easily be written as a book and will still be very engrossing because of the drama that is scripted. The way Sukumar makes time to show the almost forgotten traditions in our villages is commendable, especially in the tragedy song in second half. 

Performances wise, Ram Charan takes the cake. You will not believe that this is the same Charan that could not act even if his life depended on it. The level of skill he showed in this movie is unbelievable. Overnight he transformed from a non-actor to one of the best performers in Telugu cinema today. It is not one scene or one emotion. His character goes through comedy to romance to tragedy to anger and many more emotions always depicting his disability and to say the least he was flawless. You have to watch it to believe it. Jabardasth Mahesh finally gets a very prominent role to showcase his talent and he does really good. Samantha's performance has rough edges here and there. Aadi, Jagapathi babu, Rohini, Naresh, Anasuya and Prakash Raj act well. Anasuya got a very good role and she lives up to it. Aadi carried off the good Samaritan role very well. 

The tragedy song in the second half, the police station episodes, the climax scene, the drinking scene with Anasuya, Aadi's scene in JB's house, the famous Charan walking with the sickle scene, the fight in the farm in second half......I still want to write more but let me conclude it here now. Give your 180 minutes to Sukumar and I promise you that he will make it one of the best possible 180 minutes you ever spend on Telugu cinema. Go watch it because this is important cinema in Telugu.