Bhagavanth Kesari: Story Driven, Not Hero Driven!

It’s been very rare for a star and larger-than-life personality like Nandamuri Balakrishna to play his age on screen and act in a story-driven film. Undeniably, commercial and mass films are hero-centric. It only revolves around hero and hero-elevation. Writer-director Anil Ravipudi balanced both the story as well as the fans expectations with Kesari. The very characterisation of Kesari is interesting to watch out for in the film. The bonhomie between Balakrishna (Bhagavanth Kesari) and daughter-like Sreeleela (Vijji Papa) has worked out well. Most importantly, there is a solid message in the film and it has been well written and nicely presented. This is what was scored in the film.

Interestingly, director Anil Ravipudi stayed very true and honest to the story. He hasn’t shown Sreeelela in the glam character. It’s a de-glam role and he aptly stuck to it throughout the film. There are no unwanted songs in the film as well. It is heard that the remix song of ‘Danchave Menatha Kuthura’ from ‘Mangamma Gari Manavdu’ was lavishly shot. But it is avoided in the second half in order to not to obstruct the story flow. And not to forget is Thaman’s terrific background score which elevated the film. While Thaman has disappointed with the songs, he balanced it with the BGM.

On the whole, it is not a typical Balakrishna film or Anil Rvaipudi film. Bhagavanth Kesari manages to deliver for Dasara as it caters both the families as well as masses.