Rudramadevi review: Lengthy but interesting period drama

While the first half of Anushka Shetty starrer 'Rudramadevi' is interesting and gives a fair insight into this historical biopic, the second half of the narration drags.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Rudramadevi, Rudramadevi review, Rudramadevi movie review, Rudramadevi movie, Rudramadevi tamil movie, Rudramadevi anushka shetty, Rudramadevi cast, Anushka Shetty, Allu Arjun, Rana Daggubati, Vikramjeet Virk, Krishnam Raju, Prakash Raj, Suman, Adithya Menon, Brahmanandam, Nithya Menen, Gunashekar

Anushka Shetty as Rudramadevi, with an amour as her shield to hide her sexuality flits from one gender to the next with the ease of a seasoned artist. But unfortunately her stark transformation, especially her skin tone and demeanour are unconvincing.

Director Gunashekar’s “Rudramadevi” is the story of the brave warrior empress, Rudramadevi’ of the Kakatiya Dynasty, who ruled from Orugallu, now known as Warangal in Telegana State, circa 1259- 1289. A prominent revolutionary ruler of the dynasty, she was known for her bravery and administrative skills.

Interestingly, her tale is narrated by the renowned trader and traveller, Marco Polo, who reminisces to the Italians how he had witnessed Rudramadevi’s coronation, thus offering a solution to his monarch.

The story dates back to 1234, fearing that his ministers, citizens and other kings won’t accept a girl as his successor, Emperor Ganapatideva (Krishnam Raju) on the advice of his Prime Minister, Shivadeviah (Prakash Raj) is forced to officially introduce his newly born daughter as a son, “Rudradeva”, during the naming ceremony, so that she could succeed him.

Story continues below this ad

Brought up as a boy in a secret place in a remote forest, Rudradeva is groomed for military exploits and statecraft. She returns to Oragallu at the age of 14, where soon she befriends, two young princes, Gona Ganna of the Reddy clan and Veerabhadra of the Chalukya clan.

But their friendship is short-lived due to internal politics and personal issues that includes, Rudradeva’s sexuality. On learning the purpose of her mission, Rudradeva decides to sacrifice her life, till she realises that her turmoil is no secret.

Rana Daggubati as Veerabhadra, Rudramadevi’s best friend and later lover is charming. Similarly, with limited screen time, Allu Arjun as the enigmatic and rebellious, Gona Ganna Reddy, in stark black outfit is impressive.

Story continues below this ad

The rest of the supporting cast, dressed in royal finery or in simplistic attire, as villagers are strikingly noteworthy.

While, Director Gunashekar takes a few cinematic and creative liberties in presenting this tale, he ensures the film is technically sound.

Mounted on an epic scale the film is visually imposing with; elaborate sets, life-like battle scenes, colourful costumes and well-choreographed songs.

In the Hindi version, Ilayaraja’s music has a mixed reaction. The song with the lyrics, “Naina, naina tu hai mera sapna,” stands out in the narration.

Story continues below this ad

The computer generated images with 3D effects, though tacky in some places, merge seamlessly with cinematographer Ajaya Vincent’s frames. But overall, it delivers an ostentatious comic book effect.

While the first half of the film is interesting, the second half of the narration drags. It is the verbose exposition coupled with; the never ending battles scenes, numerous characters with odd sounding names and poorly synchronised dubbing, that weighs the film down.

Overall, the film gives a fair insight into this historical biopic.

Three Stars.

Cast: Anushka Shetty, Allu Arjun, Rana Daggubati, Vikramjeet Virk, Krishnam Raju, Prakash Raj, Suman, Adithya Menon, Brahmanandam, Nithya Menen
Director: Gunashekar

Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.

ED arrests Biswal Tradelink’s MD in fake bank guarantee case, to confront him with Anil Ambani

1 hr ago

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Partha Sarathi Biswal, managing director of Biswal Tradelink Private Limited (BTPL), in connection with an alleged fake bank guarantee case. “A probe has revealed that BTPL fraudulently arranged and submitted fake bank guarantees of Rs 68.2 crore along with forged State Bank of India (SBI) endorsements and fabricated confirmations for a Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) tender. For providing this bank guarantee, BTPL received Rs 5.40 crore from Reliance Power Limited,” an official said. Seven days after searching multiple locations in Mumbai linked to Anil Ambani, the ED has summoned the industrialist on August 5 to join the investigation into a money laundering case linked to a multi-crore bank loan fraud involving companies of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group. The ED has also issued a lookout circular (LOC) to prevent him from travelling abroad. BTPL was one of the companies where the ED recently conducted searches. Biswal's arrest was made on August 1 and he was produced before a Delhi Court, which sent him to their custody till August 6. "We are planning to confront him with Anil Ambani during questioning and will try to verify some facts," an official said. The ED has initiated its investigation against BTPL based on an FIR registered by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Delhi Police, against the firm, its directors and others, for allegedly providing a fake bank guarantee which was submitted to SECI. “During the investigation, the ED has collected several pieces of evidence and they confirmed the use of fake documents in the name of certain banks and fake email IDs in the name of SBI. Probe has also revealed that BTPL, a small company incorporated in 2019, maintained multiple undisclosed bank accounts and carried out transactions disproportionate to its declared turnover. Many violations of the Companies Act are found, and no statutory records are found at registered addresses, such as books of accounts, shareholders’ registers, etc,” the official said. The probe also revealed that dummy directors were used solely to sign documents, and found at least seven undisclosed bank accounts of the company. “Proceeds of crime, of crores of rupees, have been traced to these accounts,” the official added. A spokesperson for Reliance Power said the ED case related to a bank guarantee. “The company and its subsidiaries acted bona fide and have been a victim of fraud, forgery and a conspiracy. The company has made due disclosure on this to the stock exchanges on November 7, 2024. A criminal complaint in this regard has already been lodged with the Economic Offence Wing of Delhi Police against the third party on October 16, 2024. The due process of law will follow," said the spokesperson.

View all shorts

More Entertainment

Entertainment From Mani Ratnam nearly firing AR Rahman to Shammi Kapoor rejecting RD Burman: Bollywood bonds that stood the test of time