Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s latest film, “Lal Salaam,” hits the cinemas today, showcasing her father, Superstar Rajinikanth, in a special role, alongside Vishnu Vishal and Vikrant as the primary leads.
Plot
The narrative unfolds in Kasumuru village, revolving around the lives of two former close friends, Guru (Vishnu Vishal) and Samshuddin (Vikrant).
A tragic incident disrupts their camaraderie, transforming them into bitter adversaries. Moideen Bhai (Rajinikanth), a textile businessman hailing from Mumbai, shares connections with Guru and his village. The storyline progresses seamlessly until the residents of Kasumuru face humiliation from a neighboring village. The ensuing events, the intensifying conflict, Moideen Bhai’s involvement, and the potential reconciliation of the estranged friends form the intricate elements awaiting discovery on the cinematic canvas.
Performances
Vishnu Vishal impeccably meets the demands of the character, delivering a commendable performance. The depiction of the village atmosphere and retro aesthetics is skillfully executed.
Vikrant’s performance is satisfactory, and Rajinikanth leaves an impression with his mannerisms and well-chosen dialogues in the role of Vikrant’s father.
Jeevita Rajasekhar stands out with her natural appearance, while the supporting cast delivers adequate performances.
Technical Aspects
Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s attempt to juggle the roles of screenplay writer and director falls short of providing a captivating experience. The sparse plot and slow pacing, especially in the second half, challenge the audience’s patience.
Although Pravin Baaskar’s editing and Vishnu Rangasamy’s cinematography meet satisfactory standards, AR Rahman’s score doesn’t manage to create a lasting impression despite his esteemed reputation.
The film’s extended runtime diminishes its overall impact.
Telugu Funda Analysis
The significant drawbacks in Lal Salaam lie in its storyline and the sluggish progression of the screenplay. Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s intended message lacks originality, as it echoes themes already explored in many older films. As both director and screenwriter, Aishwarya might have encouraged her co-scriptwriter, Vishnu Rangasamy, to infuse more emotions that could have potentially elevated the film’s overall impact.
The emotional scenes lack the desired impact, and the absence of a compelling background score further diminishes their effectiveness.
The unfamiliar cast, along with questionable dubbing choices and underwhelming performances, impedes the film’s ability to connect with the audience.
Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s direction could have heightened certain scenes, and the inclusion of characters such as heroine Ananthika, Kapil Dev, and Nirosha adds little value to the narrative.
Telugu Funda Verdict
With the average performances of its lead actors being the main redeeming qualities. The film’s drawbacks, such as subpar writing, sluggish pacing, and an underwhelming score, overshadow its strengths. In light of these aspects, viewers are encouraged to explore alternative entertainment options this weekend, as even Rajinikanth’s presence proves insufficient to salvage the film.
Telugu Funda Rating: 2/5
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