Maharshi review: Mahesh shines

Direction: Vamsi Paidipally

Cast: Mahesh Babu, Pooja Hegde, Allari Naresh, Jayasudha, Jagapathi Babu, Rao Ramesh, Prakash Raj, Vennela Kishore and Meenakshi Dixit

Producers: Dil Raju, Ashwini Dutt, and PVP

Cinematography: KU Mohanan

Music: Devi Sri Prasad

Over the last few films, Mahesh has been seeing picking up films which are not only commercially viable but also has a tinge of social angle added to it. For instance, Mahesh’ last outing Srimanthudu and Bharat Ane Nenu had the same formulae. Now Murari actor has picked up the same formulaic film – Maharshi for his 25th film. Has Vamsi Paidipally been successful in showcasing Mahesh with the same heroism with a social inclined message? Has the movie given success to Mahesh?

Story:

Rishi Kumar (Mahesh Babu) is a business magnate who is the CEO of a company. Rishi, hailing from a middle-class background believes in sheer hard work and commitment. And his principles make him bag the top spot in life. Rishi doesn’t believe in failure and whatsoever he dreamt of he attained his vision.   Rishi also credits his besties (Pooja Hegde and Allari Naresh) for his success. So what he does in return for his good friends. HOw the change comes in Rishi that success is not measured by money or status. How Rishi turns into Maharshi is the journey.

Performances:

• Mahesh gets to show diversity in his character. As Rishi, Mahesh has three shades and each role has a different shade to it. As a CEO, Mahesh looks suave and stylish. When portarayed as a student, he certainly fits the role and is a youth appealed. In his fight for the cause of farmers, his sincerity appears. Overall, Mahesh will make you root for him in the three shades.
• Allari Naresh who couldn’t get a huge success as the lead hero has appeared in a pivotal role in Maharshi.  Hig role in Gamyam as Gaali Seenu is still talked about. On similar notes, his character in Maharshi will also be talked on for years to come.
• The lead actress Pooja Hegde has got a meaty role. She hasn’t been restricted as a glam doll but has got enough characterisation that helps in the proceedings. Her college scenes where she appears in fun and frolic have come out well. Jagapathi Babu once again nailed his role as an antagonist.
• The director Vamsi Paidipally’s has chosen a strong subject and him choosing Mahesh Babu has only accelerated the film.  Vamsi has been successful in showcasing his vision on screen but the film is tad lengthy. He could have cut a few scenes on the editing table.

Analysis:

Maharshi is Mahesh’s 25th film.  The movie has all the elements which are required to make it a milestone film.  As a CEO, Mahesh pulls off his role in the most stylish avatar. As the college student, he is shown in quirky and antics stuff which is a laugh riot. Vamsi Paidipally has questioned the educational system with wit and sarcasm that make s you rod over it. Notably, nowhere it looks peachy. The first half is entirely emotional and melodramatic.

Coming back to the second half, Vamsi carries the entire same thread. The entire second half runs on farmer’s issues with Mahesh voicing out his against the problems.  Thought it looks a tad odd at times, he cond have chopped off scenes making the run time short. Having said that, Vamsi tried to do justice to incorporate such aspects in a commercial film.  Scenes between Mahesh and Allari Naresh could have been better. The climax looks unrealistic but Vamsi trying to narrate a story with honesty is worth appreciating.

Positives: