Story:
In the small town of Stuartpuram, a young Nageswara Rao (Ravi Teja) begins his life journey with dark undertones as he becomes deeply involved in the criminal world. This film, inspired by the real-life story of the notorious thief Nageswara Rao, meticulously traces his transformation. From his notoriety during the 1970s, earning him the moniker ‘Tiger,’ to his eventual evolution into a hero and savior of Stuartpuram.
Review:
In the intriguing blend of heists and heroism, “Tiger Nageswara Rao” manages to strike a resonant chord, weaving a narrative that seamlessly blends elements of crime and redemption. Director Vamsi Krishna opts for a grand storytelling style, reminiscent of the cinematic epics of recent years. The film boasts commendable visual and aesthetic appeal, though there are moments where it momentarily loses its grip, particularly in the second half, despite the presence of some impactful dramatic and emotional sequences.
Ravi Teja, the versatile actor with a history of compelling performances, wholeheartedly embraces the character of Tiger Nageswara Rao. His portrayal brings the protagonist to life, spanning the period from the 1950s to the 1980s. Ravi Teja’s performance stands out as he shoulders the movie with his charisma and unwavering commitment, thereby making the audience genuinely root for his character.
The supporting cast, including Anupam Kher as IB Officer Raghavendra Rajput, Nupur Sanon in her debut as Sara, Renu Desai as Hemalatha Lavanam, Jisshu Sengupta as CI Mouli, Murali Sharma as DSP Vishwanath Sastry, Hareesh Peradi as Yelamanda, Gayatri Bharadwaj as Mani, Sudev Nair as Kasi, Anukreethy Vas as Jayavani, and Nassar as Gajjala Prasad, deliver commendable performances. Each actor flawlessly embodies their respective characters, thereby adding depth to the storyline. Nupur and Gayatri, who portray Nageswara Rao’s partners, exude glamour and execute their roles with finesse. Seasoned actors Anupam Kher and Nassar seamlessly inhabit their characters, enriching the overall narrative. Renu Desai, making a comeback on screen after a prolonged hiatus, delivers a performance that is both subtle and nuanced. Jisshu Sengupta and Hareesh Peradi evoke a profound sense of rage in the audience through their antagonistic portrayals, ultimately leading to a satisfying climax.
While the first half captivates the audience with the intriguing shades of grey that surround Nageswara Rao’s character, the second half presents a redemptive arc, transforming him into a savior driven by noble intentions. However, the film’s brilliance is marred by its extended runtime, spanning over three hours. This prolonged duration somewhat diminishes the overall impact, diluting the intensity of the plot. Furthermore, the excessive violence, brutality, and gore, though appealing to some viewers, might be overwhelming for others. The well-choreographed action sequences do suffer in parts due to subpar visual effects in certain scenes, leaving room for improvement.
Technically, the film excels, with the creators employing warmer and darker hues to portray intense action sequences and opting for vibrant tones to depict the romantic aspects. GV Prakash’s music, coupled with Madhie’s cinematography and Kolla Avinash’s production design, elevates the film’s larger-than-life persona.
“Tiger Nageswara Rao” is a roller-coaster of emotions, oscillating between the dark alleys of crime and the redeeming light of heroism. Despite its flaws, the film manages to leave a lasting impact, largely due to Ravi Teja’s stellar performance and the ensemble cast’s collective brilliance. Nonetheless, a tighter edit and refined visual effects could have catapulted this saga to even greater heights.