The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Engrossing screenplay

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Monday, Sep 22, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Engrossing screenplay

In a daze: Jagapati Babu, Baby Neha in ‘Raksha’.

Film: Raksha

Cast: Baby Neha, Jagapati Babu

Direction: Vamsikrishna.

Science and religion are often seen to be in conflict. While a doctor still relies on research to save a patient, there are many who believe in the supernatural. In ‘Raksha’, Ramgopal Varma selects a clichéd subject but strikes a fine balance between dogma and medicine.

Director Vamsikrishna Akella develops the story which is structured on an epiphany in a realistic and a passionate style. Towards the end of the film, what is revealed could be real or it might not possible for the viewer to determine its actuality but no matter: the effect on the character is quite real. The film which is a remake of ‘Phoonk’ is publicised as being better than the original and it is for some simple reasons.

There are but very insignificant and minor changes but the characters are native, dialogues are simple and the screenplay is engrossing. To top it all, Jagapati Babu’s smouldering intensity and the way he battles with self and characters around to save his daughter spells poignancy and Baby Neha grabs attention for her splendid portrayal as a victim of black magic.

An atheist by nature, Jagapati Babu’s happy life is disturbed when his school-going daughter starts behaving strangely. Vermillion dotted lemon tied to bones, stolen strands of hair, sand and many more unexplained incidents perplex him but he is not willing to believe that his daughter is possessed till the doctor gives up on the treatment. Rajeev Kanakala and Satya Krishnan are introduced as Jagapati’s colleagues. Satya suits the role and is far better than Ashwini Kalsekar in ‘Phoonk’. Rest of the characters and technical stuff add credibility.

Raksha might not pull off any scares but it will hold your interest and one is sure to walk away with a distinct impression.

Y. SUNITA CHOWDHARY

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