Shatruvu Telugu Movie
"Shatruvu", young Naveen's comeback Telugu film, unfortunately lacks a credible storyline and the narration is insipid.
Director Arun Prasad, who showed promise in his debut hit "Thamudu", has this time chosen a highly contrived plot. The tale of a brat, who is cheated in Dubai, is as old as the hills. It could have been less tiresome had the director worked more on Naveen's relations with his family than on comedy tracks.
Naveen, however, does a passable job while Navneet Kaur looks pretty. But Meghna Naidu is wasted in a glorified extra's role.
Cinematographer Sarat captures the Dubai episode elegantly, but he should have worked more on indoor lighting.
Composer Madhukar relies more on fast beats than on melodies. Even the lyrics are diluted in the cacophony.
After a string of successes like "Pelli" and "Manasichichudu", Naveen hit a lean patch and was trying to stage a comeback with "Shatruvu". He is likely to be disappointed.
Debutante Navneet Kaur reveals more of her skin than talent. The much-hyped inclusion of Bollywood's Meghna Naidu fails to impress, as her role is to just provide oomph as a bargirl.
Shirtless baddy Salman Khan displays his muscles but delivers a stereotype performance. Comedians Ali, Venu and others do their bit to pep up the proceedings.
The story is about Naveen, who is hated by his family though he keeps trying to win its confidence.
Earlier, as a spoilt brat seeking a fortune, he had made the family mortgage its house and landed in Dubai with a fake work permit.
There, we are told in a flashback, he joined an underworld gang and was trapped in a murder case. Saved by his brother and returning home, he has to face the indifference of the family. The rest of the film is about his efforts to win back his family's love.
