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Cast: Jagapathi Babu, Smrithi Irani, Meera Nandan, Sandeep, CVL, Desipati Srinivas, Mallepalli Laksmaiah, and others
Dialogues: Udugula Venu
Music: Chakri
Lyrics: Ande Sri, KCR, Suddala Ashok Teja, Gorati Venkanna, Nandini Siddhareddy
Cinematography: T Surendra Reddy
Editing: Kotagiri Venkateshwara Rao
Produced by: Mahalakshmi Arts
Story, screenplay and directed by: Shankar N
Release date: Feb 4, 2011
CBFC Rating: A
What's it about!
Amma Odi, run by Jayamma (Smrithi Irani), provides shelter and food to the helpless. Her husband Bande Gopaanna (Jagapathi Babu), father-in-law and forefathers all died for the Telanagana in the long history of the movement. Now, her son Varshith (Sandeep) doesn't want to become another martyr in his family by participating in the on going movement for separate Telagana state. He falls for the charms of Sahaja (Meera Nandan), who hails from Vijayawada. Rest of the movie is about how Varshith joins the movement and also wins his love against all odds.
Analysis
Telangana movement has long history but the on-going agitation for separate state from Andhra Pradesh is more intense than ever. The current movement attracted international recognition, and people in the state have divided. So, these events definitely make a good drama for cinema. Director N Shankar took the initiative to reflect the mood and sentiments of Telangana people and movement in this film, Jai Bolo Telangana . His movie documents the recent events but fails to tell a moving story. More than narrating a touching story (as the movement gives scope to weave such scenes innumerably), he focuses more on the incidents that we have already seen on Television channels. So, in a way, the film is poorly made documentary than good cinema about great Telangana movement.
Strength of the film, obviously, is its songs - great songs written by Ande Sr i (his song of 'Jai Bolo Telangana' is rich in meaning and has great literary value), and the legendary balladeer Gaddar (' Nadustunna Poddu Meeda '), Gorati Vennkanna and Nandini Siddhareddy 's meaningful songs. In fact, Gaddar's song gives Goosebumps.
Scenes of Chari's suicide, Meera Nandan's confrontation with her brother and Gaddar's song stand out in the film.
Shankar sporadically touches the rich heritage, unique culture and warmth of the people of this region but finally gives the message that people should not be divided but the regions.
As the film's aim is to focus the ongoing movement, we can excuse its weak technical values and other discrepancies.
Performances
Jagapathi Babu plays the role of martyr Bandagi Gopanna and he also enacts the role of Gopanna's father in a flashback. Jagapathi Babu is okay but he lacks the fervor for that role. But one should appreciate him for proving that actors are beyond regional barriers. Well-known TV actress Smrithi Irani is dignified for the role she played. Jhansi does her lip-sync. Sandeep as Telangana student is okay but it is Meera Nanda n who scores with her performance. The guy who played the role of Chari is best among other actors. Nagineedu, Janardhan Maharshi, AVS and others are okay. Gaddar in his brief role as balladeer brings verve to the narration. Telangana Rashtra Samiti president K Chandrasekhar Rao is seen in a blink and miss act.
Chakri's music is soul to the movie. All songs are superb. Jai Bolo Telangana, Ee Mounam, Podustunna Podddupain, and Oka Puvvu stand out. Dialogues are also good. There are some satires like " Telangana Kosam Vaadu Chastadu, Vaadi Kosam Nenu Chastanu, Samaikandhra Kosam Nuvvu Chastava.." but on the whole the film has no scenes or dialogues to hurt anyone's sentiments.
Bottom-line
One should appreciate Shanakar for picking up such a topical subject and trying to document the long history of Telangana movement but he should have concentrated more on script. Jai Bolo Telangana captures the mood and sentiments of the people but it is not shot well.
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