Title: “Tiger Nageswara Rao: A Real-Life Tale”
Review:
Release Date: October 20, 2023
Piktalk Rating: 2.5/5
Starring: Ravi Teja, Nupur Sanon, Gayatri Bhardwaj, Renu Desai.
Director: Vamsee
Producers: Abhishek Agarwal
Music Director: G.V. Prakash Kumar
Cinematographers: R. Madhi
Editor: Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao
“Tiger Nageswara Rao” is a cinematic exploration inspired by the life of a notorious thief from the 1980s, set against the backdrop of Stuartpuram. Yet, this film chooses to dwell more on Tiger Nageswara Rao’s personal life than the thrilling heists, daring escapes, and the riveting cat-and-mouse chase with the law enforcement, which forms the crux of the narrative.
Performances: Ravi Teja steps into the shoes of the titular character, Tiger Nageswara Rao, and delivers a commendable performance. His transformation from his customary hyper-energetic roles to a more subdued portrayal is noticeable. Although this role may not stand out significantly in his filmography, it showcases his versatility.
Heroines Nupur Sanon and Gayatri Bharadwaj skillfully handle their typical heroine roles without leaving a significant impression. Renu Desai, on the other hand, portrays a subtle but somewhat unremarkable character, despite having substantial screen time.
Story: Directed by Vamsee, known for his earlier works “Dongaata” and “Kittu Unnadu Jagratha,” the film embarks on a potential real-life subject. The narrative commences with a captivating train robbery scene that quickly captures the audience’s attention and immerses them in the storyline.
The introduction of Nageswara Rao via a flashback, narrated by Murali Sharma, along with the period setting, creates a gripping atmosphere. However, as the narrative shifts to the love track, the first half, including the crucial interval sequence, feels somewhat lackluster. The love story’s execution, accompanied by a song lacking audio and visual appeal, fails to maintain the initial momentum.
The second half takes a different direction as Nassar shares TNR’s past with Anupam Kher. The thrilling heists and escapades are conspicuously absent in the second half. Instead, the focus shifts to portraying TNR as a Robin Hood figure, leading to a slow-paced, drama-filled sequence, which also includes student issues and a one-sided love track. Apart from one well-executed, violent action sequence, the second half lacks memorable moments. The background score, initially promising, deteriorates, and the film loses its essence as the story of a mastermind thief and his audacious heists.
Music and Other Departments: The songs by G.V. Prakash Kumar are forgettable and fail to make an impact either independently or in conjunction with the visuals. Surprisingly, the background score, which commences impressively, weakens as the film progresses. The film’s excessive length and editing could have been more precise. Cinematography by Madhie adequately captures the period setting but leaves room for further exploration. The writing, while partially effective, struggles to maintain audience engagement in the second half dominated by drama.
Plus Points:
- Compelling Train Robbery
- Engaging First 30 Minutes
- Riveting Action Sequence in the Second Half
- Core Theme Exploration
Minus Points:
- Lengthy Runtime
- Dragging Second Half
- Lackluster Drama
- Unmemorable Songs and Love Tracks
- Absence of Thrills and High Points
Verdict: “Tiger Nageswara Rao” starts with promise but succumbs to a lengthy, drawn-out narrative that lacks the thrilling heists and captivating moments that the story’s premise implies.