Naga Shaurya has penned the story and played the lead in the movie, 'Ashwathama'. Directed by Ramana Teja, Aswathama has been produced by Naga Shaurya's home banner, Ira Creations. Has Naga Shaurya also proved himself as a writer with this movie? Read our review
Story
The movie starts with Pawan Kalyan's voice over about the significance of Ashwathama's role in Mahabharatha. Gana (Naga Shaurya) comes to Vizag from US to attend his sister's engagement with Prince. Even as his family is in celebratory mood, Gana sees his sister trying to commit suicide and when inquired, she reveals that she is pregnant and that she has no clue about the reason behind her pregnancy. Gana comes to know that many cases of girls' suicides and missing are being reported in the city. How an old man, a psycho doctor and a gang of fishermen are connected to these cases and how Gana figures out the connection is what the rest of the story all about.
Performances
It's like Naga Shaurya's one man show. The handsome actor is impressive in an action avatar. He pulls off the role, written by himself, very well. There is nothing much to do for Mehreen in the movie. Jisshu Sengupta of 'NTR Kathanayakudu' fame plays the villain. As a psycho doctor, he is menacing and performs very well. Every other actor in the film performed well.
Technical aspects
Ghibran's background score breaths life into the proceedings. It's very good. Sri Charan Pakala's songs are okay. The production values are rich. The screenplay, especially in the second half, is engaging and direction is good.
Plus Points
Story
Engaging second half
Background score
Performances
Minus Points
Falters here and there
No entertainment (for those who expect it)
Analysis
'Ashwathama' tries to deal with atrocities against women in a novel way. The film has an engaging second half and the villain's character brings chills down the spine. Jisshu Sengupta has done an excellent job in a negative role. Naga Shaurya has performed well. We have seen in him in soft roles so far and he has tried to shed that lover boy image with this movie. He has also shown his talent as a writer. The film has its share of flaws and the film falters here and there. But there are some engrossing moments. The villain's flashback episode was dealt well.
On the whole, 'Ashwathama' ends up an engaging crime thriller with a few minor flaws. Watch it.
