Director Thushar Ranganath started his career with the movie Gulama in 2009. After two years gap, he is back with his second venture Kanteerava, which stars black cobra Vijay in the lead. It is a remake of Jr NTR's hit Telugu movie Simghadri and the director has done nothing but clear copycat except a few changes made here and there to suit the taste of local audience.Kanteerava is an action thriller with triangular love story as its backdrop. Duniya Vijay's acting is the main attraction of the film. Chakri's music, Risheeka Singh's glamour, Mandya Ramesh and Sadhu Kokila's comedy, punch dialogues, costumes, fights and dance sequences are the other highlights of the film.
The movie has a good storyline that is all about an angry young man eliminating the rowdy elements in his neighbouring state and becoming the saviour of people of that state. The narration of the film is good. The first half is bit slow pace, but the second half, which has all the commercial elements like comedy, love, emotion and fights, is very interesting. In the climax, there are some thought provoking dialogues exchanged between hero and villain.
Kanti alias Kanteerava (Vijay) is an orphan. He is impressed by Ramachandrapa (Srinivasamurthy), the village leader's principle that he is ready to die himself or kill anyone for the welfare of ten people. Once Kanti saves his life by risking his own life. Later, he is grown up by the leader, whose granddaughter Kasthuri (Rishika Singh) falls in love with him. But, he is in love with a girl called Indra (Shuba Punja), whom he is secretly looking after. After gaining her consciousness, Indhu tries to kill him. Why she tries to kill him and whom he will marry will form the climax of the film.
As usual, Vijay looks superb in his role as angry young man Kanteerava. He wins the heart of audience in action, comedy and sentimental sequences. Risheeka's glam skin show is a feast for pranksters. Shubha Poonja has done justice to her role. Mandya Ramesh and Sadhu Kokila's comedy is a highlight of the film. Srinivasamurthy, Mukesh Rishi, Rahul Dev, Bhanuchander and Sankesh Kashi are good in their respective roles.
Chakri has composed music for five songs of the film and songs like 'Cheluve Cheluve...' and 'Singamalai...' are good. Dasari Srinivas' camera work is good. Editing work, costumes and locations are also commending. Overall, it is a perfect commercial entertainer and atleast Vijay fans should not miss it.
Producer: Ramu
Director: Thushar Ranganath
Cast: Vijay, Shuba Punja, Rishika Singh, Srinivasamurthy, Mandya Ramesh, Mukesh Rishi, Rahul Dev, Bhanuchander, GV, Yamuna, Rekha, Sankesh Kashi, Vijay Kashi
