'Radhe Shyam' review: Boring story, extravagant visuals only saving grace
What's the story
After making us wait for more than two years, Radhe Shyam, directed by Radha Krishna Kumar and starring Prabhas and Pooja Hegde, hit the marquee on Friday. A period drama, the film revolves around the romantic and personal lives of the "Einstein of palmistry" and a doctor. So, does it meet the humongous expectations? We sadly don't think so! Here's our detailed review.
Plot
What is 'Radhe Shyam' all about?
Radhe Shyam narrates the story of a charming man and a shrewd palmist, Vikramaditya (Prabhas). After learning palmistry, he moves to the UK and the reason behind this move remains a mystery. He is also a commitment phobic and dates multiple women at the same time till he meets Prerana (Hegde), a doctor. How that changes his life forms the rest of the plot.
Negative #1
Bad screenplay makes the film a lethargic watch
Prabhas's character gets introduced and established even during the climax. Throughout the film, he stylishly plays with a skateboard, has romance sequences suspended in the air on a moving train, and walks (or rather dances) in slow motion in repeat. Now, these sequences are visually appealing but yet make you yawn as they are not tightly knit into the super weak screenplay.
Negative #2
No connection between the scenes
Unsurprisingly, the low quality of the screenplay gets reflected in the disconnected scenes. We do not understand the relevance of a few sequences. Like, when Vikramaditya and Prerana communicate while being on two different buses. We understand that he is a hopeless romantic but to build that trait, makers include a 10-minute-long scene, and despite the length the sequence gets no well-founded conclusion!
Personal
Prabhas, Hegde have no chemistry
However, screenplay isn't the only flaw of Radhe Shyam. In fact, the biggest one is Prabhas-Hegde's terrible lack of chemistry. Separately, both the actors are wonderful, but when brought together, their awkwardness literally oozes through the screen. Also, some actors like Sathyaraj are wasted. Disappointing!
Positive
Only positive? Appealing graphics but till a point
Despite all these obvious negatives, what makes Radhe Shyam bearable are the aesthetically shot visuals, thanks to Manoj Paramahamsa's ace cinematography. But then again, excess of anything is bad and this is what happens here too. Everything is unrealistically beautiful in Radhe Shyam, even the hospital, which is set against a snowy backdrop. In other words, Radhe Shyam looks like a fairy tale skit.
Verdict
Watch it only for imagery, Prabhas and Hegde (separately)
In gist, the film will engage only two sections of people: One whose heart is still aching from a break-up, and the die-hard fans of Prabhas. You can, however, give Radhe Shyam a chance and watch it in the theaters (only) to enjoy the fanciful sequences. But, don't expect the film to offer you a solid story. Verdict: Radhe Shyam bags 2/5 stars.