CAST : Srikanth, Bhavana, Charmee, Jayaprakesh Reddy, Ram Jagan STORY, SCREENPLAY AND DIRECTION: Krishna Vamsi Rating: c Ag V rowning lory from Krishna amsi, Mahatma highlights the ideals of the Father of the Nation, Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi, effectively driving home the message of abstinence, truth and non-violence and of simple living and high thinking, than simply living.
Das (Srikant) grows up with all the vices in the world. A rowdy, his ambition of becoming a film star comes in handy for Dada (Jayaprakash Reddy), the local MLA, who uses him against his staunch enemy, a businesswoman and a politician (Jyoti). The wiliness of politicians awakens Das who slowly takes the route of Gandhigiri to outsmart his enemies and win the heart of Krishnaveni (Bhavana), an initiallytimid lawyer who used to bail out Das during his dadagiri days.
Now, why did Krishna Vamsi wait for so long to take up a highly sensitive, if not tough, subject as that of Gandhism? It would not be wrong to say that Munnabhai MBBS could have been his primary inspiration. In fact Srikant had played the role of Circuit, the sidekick of the Chiranjeevi in the Telugu adaptation, Shankardada MBBS.
Though there are some drawbacks in the gripping tale which wavers at times, Das' trial-by-fire imbibing of Gandhi's principles and Sarath's cinematography makes one sit up and watch.
Bhavana in the female lead role is literally like the girl next, next door.
Though Krishna Vamsi vows this time he had gone for the heart and not for the looks, especially of the white skinned variety, the choice was very unlike Krishna Vamsi. If that was the general feeling, many would be sitting at home instead of watching films for entertainment. Of course, Krishna Vamsi makes her dance to his tune or rather direction, but only time will tell how long she will last in Telugu cinema.
Krishna Vamsi's story is kick ass, making mincemeat of politicians. No wonder the movie which was due for release on October 2 was delayed. So, it was not a rumour that the song Indiramma Inti Peru Kaadura Gandhi...
was re-recorded. The song is sure to rule election rallies for some time come. Vijay Anthony's score is highly lilting. Under Krishna Vamsi's direction, Srikant scores a perfect hundredth film with Mahatma.
Long Live Mahatma.
Rating : ***