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‘Aravinda Sametha…’: Jr. NTR elevates tried, tested story of factionalism (Review)

Published

6 years ago

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By Haricharan Pudipeddi
Film: “Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava”; Language: Telugu; Director: Trivikram Srinivas; Cast: Jr. NTR, Pooja Hegde, Jagapathi Babu, Sunil, Supriya Pathak and Eswari Rao; Rating: ***

There’s so much to like and debate in Trivikram Srinivas’s “Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava”, which marks the filmmaker’s maiden collaboration with actor Jr. NTR. For starters, when was the last time a mainstream Telugu film featuring a star of Jr. NTR’s stature had a title named after its female protagonist?

Pooja plays Aravinda and her character is the pivot of this story of factionalism, revenge and politics. The film relies heavily on its women characters and Trivikram builds a very strong premise on this front, only to squander it with the tried-and-tested commercial treatment.

Set against the backdrop of Rayalaseema and revolving around two warring families which have shed blood for two generations, the story is centered on Jr. NTR’s character Veera Raghava Reddy, who is forced to walk the same violent path as his father and grandfather quite early on in the film following an unfortunate incident. But the women in his life — who have seen enough blood and have borne losses — make him realise and give him an opportunity to choose peace over revenge, but his decision comes at a price.

For a film that is fuelled by the ideologies of its women — a welcome change in mainstream cinema and a masterstroke by Trivikram — wish the women had more screen space, especially Supriya Pathak and Eswari Rao. Quite early on, we witness Jr. NTR put down his weapon after losing someone very dear to him in a bloody ambush when explained by his grandmother what it would mean to his future generations if he continues to wield the sword.

It’s a beautiful scene which captures the never before spoken sentiment behind factionalism. If you were to look at factionalism from a woman’s point of view, “Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava” is what we would get.

Unfortunately, Trivikram gives in to everything that one expects from a run-of-the-mill commercial potboiler to make the film masses-friendly. It is understandable that for a story about factionalism, you need to show bloodshed, but a creative should have been taken with regards to the fashion in which it gets glorified. There’s a thin line between portrayal and glorification and the film definitely crosses it when it comes to showcasing violence on screen.

In a role that required him to carry a lot of emotional baggage and anger, Jr. NTR delivers a performance that is worthy of celebration. Even in the action sequences — barring the first one — you see him fight with guilt and not with vengeance. The guilt is born from the idea that despite being the torchbearer for change and peace for his people, the circumstances still force him to fight. Jr. NTR breathes life into a character that is torn apart between revenge and peace.

Pooja Hegde gets a meaty part and she deserves praise for making efforts to dub in her own voice, a rarity these days when it comes to heroines in Telugu cinema. Jagapathi Babu shines in a role that is very similar to his character from “Rangasthalam”. Violence runs in his DNA, and there are scenes where he is nothing less than a blood-thirsty monster.

A shout-out to action choreographers Ram-Lakshman for their impressive contribution. As much as you squirm in the seats looking at the bloodshed, you are mesmerized by the action which gets elevated by Jr. NTR’s screen presence. There’s also Thaman’s music and background score that deserves a mention. “Peniviti” and “Yedo Poyinado” are two of the best tracks of the album.

(Haricharan Pudipeddi can be contacted at [email protected])

–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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3 months ago

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September 3, 2024

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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