Martin Luther King Review: Sampoornesh Babu Shines, Yet Falters

Martin Luther King: Conceptual Brilliance, Lackluster Execution

Release Date: October 27, 2023

Piktalk.com Verdict: 2.5/5

Featuring: Sampoornesh Babu, Naresh, Venkatesh Maha, Sharanya Pradeep, Chakradhar, Raghavan, and more

Directed by: Puja Kolluru

Produced by: S. Sashikanth, Chakravarthy Ramachandra

Music by: Smaran Sai

Cinematography: Deepak Yaragera

Editing: Puja Kolluru

Synopsis:

In the village of Padamarapadu, brothers Jagjivan Ram (Naresh) and Lokmanya Tilak (Venkatesh Maha) vie for the position of village President. Their electoral battle takes an unexpected turn as they categorize voters by caste, leading to a tie. The pivotal vote lies with Smile (Sampoornesh Babu), a humble cobbler. The narrative unfolds as the brothers strive to win Smile’s vote, his transformation into Martin Luther King, and the suspenseful revelation of his choice.

Pros:

  • Sampoornesh Babu’s stellar performance as Smile adds depth to the film.
  • Sharanya Pradeep’s impactful role as Vasantha enhances the overall narrative.
  • The climax is engaging and elevated by a compelling score.
  • Puja Kolluru sheds light on casteism, emphasizing societal issues.

Cons:

  • The plot, while promising, falters due to a lackluster narration.
  • Character arcs for Naresh and Venkatesh Maha could be stronger.
  • Limited humor; more comedic scenes could enhance the experience.
  • Missed opportunities for thought-provoking dialogues and impactful scenes.
  • Some characters lack familiarity, hindering audience connection.

Technical Review:

  • Debutant director Puja Aparna Kolluru displays promise but could refine the screenplay.
  • Smaran Sai’s music and Deepak Yaragera’s cinematography meet expectations.
  • Editing by Puja Kolluru is acceptable but could benefit from trimming in the first half.

Verdict:

While Martin Luther King introduces a compelling concept, its execution falls short, resulting in a subpar cinematic experience. Sampoornesh Babu’s commendable performance and the efforts of the supporting cast provide some highlights, but pacing issues and repetitiveness in the second half detract from the overall impact. For weekend entertainment, alternative film options are recommended.

Piktalk.com Verdict: 2.5/5