The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Strictly for the 40 plus Film Review

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Friday, Mar 21, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Strictly for the 40 plus Film Review

Back in action: Simran in a scene from the film.

Film: John Appa Rao 40 Plus (Telugu)

Cast: Krishna Bhagwan, Simran

Direction: Kuchipudi Venkat

Kuchipudi Venkat has written the story, dialogues and even produced this film. It was much awaited one because apart from being termed as Krishna Bhagwan’s first film as a hero, it is a comeback film for Simran who was on a sabbatical after her marriage and motherhood. Also the hero plays a double role, but with so many factors backing the story, the film fails to hold the audience on to their seats, as the director lets an ordinary banana dominate the film so much t hat you are led to think if he’s made the film for the fruit.

While you go bananas at Krishna Bhagwan’s unexplained fetish, the other role is played by the actor himself constantly lunging at the sight of Paradise Biryani.

The comedian who is known for his poker faced and spooky one liners comes across as a versatile actor here, never once overacts but unfortunately the double meaning dialogues and sexual innuendos make the film unfit for family viewing. Even a senior citizen like Melkote comes up with corny dialogues.

Simran sizzles

Simran needs special mention as she looks like a million bucks. There is nothing crafty about her performance as she has hardly anything to do in this wrong film. In brief the film is about a dress designer Appa Rao (Krishna Bhagwan) who winds up his responsibilities and hesitatingly goes in hunt for a bride.

He bumps into Simran, a BBC reporter who is in search of a look-alike of John, a terrorist (Krishna Bhagwan) and tries to implicate him in a crime committed by the don. Appa Rao is unaware of machinations and is hoping to marry her some day. You don’t need to be a genius to know what the end would be.

The remix songs are interesting and there are many other comedians who make an effort to be funny. Camera work is not ostentatious, the writing department provides cheap thrills and all forty plus bachelors are assured of having a fairly good time.

Y. SUNITA CHOWDHARY

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