'Andhra King Taluka' review: Ram Pothineni leads engaging drama
What's the story
Ram Pothineni-led Andhra King Taluka, directed and written by Mahesh Babu Pachigolla, made its streaming debut on Netflix on Thursday. Also starring Upendra, Bhagyashri Borse, Murali Sharma, and Rao Ramesh in key roles, the film largely works due to the engaging storyline and the performances. Though it's predictable and a bit too simplistic, it has enough substance to make you keep watching.
Plot
A fan helps his favorite star in this drama
The movie revolves around Surya (Upendra), a Telugu superstar. The story begins with him starting his 100th film after several flops, but the production comes to a halt over financial issues. Surya is labeled a "has-been," his friends turn their backs on him, and all hope seems extinguished. But then, his devoted fan, Sagar (Pothineni), lends him the required funds to save his career.
#1
Digs deep into the psychology of fans' devotion to idols
Movies about movies are always interesting, and Andhra King Taluka, told from an ardent fan's perspective, has an interesting tale to offer. What makes us an actor's fan? Why do our hearts beat for someone we have never met? The film explores such aspects, and a convincing backstory about why Sagar loves Surya more than anyone else lends heft to the film.
#2
More on the above aspect
The film's exploration of parasocial relationships is well-etched-out. Surya learns of Sagar through his team, while Sagar is content with watching Surya on the 70mm screen. Larger-than-life and out-of-reach, Surya exists in another world, one that Sagar has no access to. But this never mars the fan's fondness toward his idol. When the two finally meet in the climax, it hits a sweet spot.
#3
The characters feel realistic
Andhra King Taluka mostly works due to the rich world-building, and the characters feel like one of us. The story is crafted in such a way that as the narrative progresses, the fan becomes the star, and the star becomes the fan. A passionate love letter to cinema, the movie celebrates the staunch supporters who help actors turn into superstars.
#4
Aspects that could have been better
The project, at 2 hours and 43 minutes, is quite lengthy and brims with filler scenes (mostly action sequences) in the first half. Without them, it could have been a lot tighter and faster-paced. Additionally, Borse, who essays Sagar's girlfriend, Mahalakshmi, is wasted in a role that doesn't demand much of her. She's important to the plot, but always remains on the sidelines.
Verdict
Makes for a decent, enjoyable watch; 3/5 stars
With its non-linear storyline and layers of surprises, Andhra King Taluka engages you well. Some parts are oversimplified, though, and most things work out rather conveniently for our hero, which lowers the stakes. Overall, however, the film is a decent watch due to the leads' performances and the innovative plot. 3/5 stars.