Title: Chiranjeevi and Meher Ramesh’s Collaboration for Vedalam Remake Falls Short of Expectations
Date: August 11, 2023
Chiranjeevi and Meher Ramesh recently teamed up for their first-time collaboration to remake Ajith’s blockbuster film, Vedalam. This project was seen as a great opportunity for Meher Ramesh as he returned to directing after a long hiatus. However, the end result of their collaboration has left audiences wanting more.
The film revolves around the issue of woman-trafficking, with Chiranjeevi playing the protagonist, Shankar. Shankar arrives in Kolkata with his sister Maha, played by Keerthy Suresh, for her education. As Shankar becomes involved in the taxi-driving business, he unwittingly provides a crucial clue to the local police about woman-trafficking activities, leading to trouble for himself. The plot thickens when Lasya, played by Tamannah, learns about Shankar’s hidden activities and tries to stop her brother’s impending marriage to Maha. As the story progresses, Shankar embarks on a mission to dismantle the crime network responsible for these heinous acts and settle old scores.
In terms of performances, Chiranjeevi manages to breathe some life into the sinking ship that is the film. His dances and mannerisms captivate the audience to some extent. Keerthy Suresh’s role as Shankar’s sister is lacking in screen time, while Tamannah fails to leave a lasting impact. Vennela Kishore, Getup Srinu, and Sreemukhi’s characters do not engage the audience, and the villains are bogged down by their underdeveloped characterizations. The outdated and poorly written script fails to provide enough opportunities for the remaining cast to shine.
Meher Ramesh’s handling of the remake, both in terms of writing and directing, disappoints. The film heavily relies on an outdated and routine template which does not work in its favor. While the cinematography is commendable, the background score by Mahati Swara Sagar falls short. Technical aspects of the film do not make up for the lackluster execution.
Chiranjeevi’s undeniable presence and grace are the major assets that buoy the film to some extent. However, the overall weak storyline and lack of fresh and relevant elements keep Bhola Shankar from reaching its potential. The first half of the film is a big letdown, and even the post-interval sequences that momentarily hook the audience do not redeem it. Predictability and disengaging climax further leave viewers disconnected. Visually, the film appears rich, but the lack of high moments and emotional impact disappoint fans.
In conclusion, Chiranjeevi and Meher Ramesh’s collaboration for the Vedalam remake falls short of expectations. The film fails to bring anything new to the table and is ultimately a lackluster and tedious watch. Meher Ramesh missed a golden opportunity to make a strong comeback.
Rating: 2/5