Review in Pictures: Dhada

Naga Chaitanya's debut Josh had mass appeal. He next played loverboy in films like Ye Maya Chesave and 100% Love—both hits. With Dhada, an action-packed affair, he goes mass-y again.

Vishwa (Chaitu) is brought up by his brother Rajiv (Sriram) and his wife (Sameeksha), both orphans. They pamper him a lot. Then Rajiv gets entangled with mafia don RD (Rahul Dev), and the results are far from savoury. RD not only makes Rajiv work for him, but forces him to kill his father-in-law ((Tanikella Bharani), a realtor.

Vishwa completes his graduation abroad and plans to return to India. A chance meeting with the lovely Ria, and it's love at first sight.

The daughter of a business magnate (Mukesh Rushi), Ria is being forced to tie the knot with another tycoon's soon. She is lonely, haunted by the memory of her mother's suicide and her father's callousness. Vishwa walks into her life like sunshine.

Things take a turn when Vishwa's path collides with RD's. The mafia don is already locked in fierce battle with rival Kelly—they have both killed each other's brothers, and are now thirsting for each other's blood.

Meanwhile, Ria tells her father she is in love with Vishwa. The result: her father and his would be son-in-law promptly summon RD and award him a contract to kill Vishwa.

In the end, of course, the much-loved-and-wanted Vishwa sorts everything and everyone out. And the audience goes home happy. Or does it?

Performances:

Naga Chaitanya, much gymmed and toned, shows impressive muscle and excels in the action scenes. However, the scenes themselves seem too contrived. Chaitu's efforts at shaking leg, delivering dramatic dialogue and modulate his voice lack punch. Kajal looks glam and stylish, as expected.

She has very little to do, again as expected. In fact, it is Rahul Dev who towers above the rest with his build and acting chops. Mukesh Rushi is adequate and Kelly Dorge is wasted. Sriram does complete justice to his role.

The so-called comedy by Brahmanandam, Ali, Venumadhav, Uttej and others is totally unfunny.

Technical Review:

Devisri Prasad gives some interesting tunes, but there is nothing really new in the music. The background score is average. Conematographer Gnanasekhar's lens captures the beautiful locales of Hong Kong, Malaysia and the US beautifully. In fact the film is visually brilliant.

Kajal's wardrobe is well put together. Editing by Dharmendra is adequate, considering he had no real script ot screenplay to work with. The entire blame for the poor presentation of the film should go to director Ajay Bhuyan, whose muddled script and haphazard screeplay have quite a dizzying effect on the audience.

You don't give a fig about the copiously-crying family and their meant-to-be-intense emotions. The director's focus was obviously on creating a rich look. If only he had remembered to create real characters.

Remarks:

Three reasons you should watch the film:

1. Foreign locations. But then, you could watch Travel & Living Channel for much less.

2. Action scenes: the climax is quite cinematic.

3. Some unique dance steps in the first song of the movie.

And one reason you must not:

The mismatched ingredients yield a not-so-tasty brain fry!

Note: The commercial success of the film depends on the performance of Ram in Kandireega which is going to hit the screens tomorrow.

Coming up: The music launch of Dhada

Nagarjuna's son Nag Chaitanya is back with another romantic entertainer Dhada and the film's audio was released in Hyderabad. But the film's leading lady Kajal Agarwal gave it a miss. Reason: reports suggest that Kajal and Nag had a spat on the film's set and the Singham girl allegedly slapped Nag. This was ostensibly the reason for a day's delay in the audio release.

Coming Up: Who all made it to the star studded music release.

(L-R)-Sushanth, Veteran Telugu actor Akkineni Nageswar Rao , noted Producer D Ramanaidu, Music director Devi Sri Prasad and Dum Maaro Dum actor Rana Daggubati at the music launch.

D Ramanaidu has something to say.

Nag with brother Akhil Akkineni

Rana Daggubati is sure to make the ladies swoon.

ANR and Nag's maternal grandfather Ramanaidu launch the film's music.

Nag greeting music director Devi Sri Prasad.

Devi Sri Prasad gave a rocking performance a la Hyderabadi style.

Dev Sri Prasad with other performers

The music launch.

Man of the moment, Nag, speaks at the event.

Nag is all smiles, seen here with brother Akhil.

A look at few stills from the much-awaited movie.