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Venkatesh is one star whose films have been known to guarantee wholesome family entertainment with a touch of sentiment, and few laughs. Bodyguard, Venkatesh’s first release in quite some time, mixes both these emotions and could as well be the typical festival time movie for Telugu families.

Story :

Venkatadri (Venkatesh) is indebted to Peddayya (Prakash Raj) for having saved him and his family from a car accident. Years later, Venkatadri is appointed as the body guard of Peddayya’s daughter, Keerthi (Trisha), who is being chased by Peddayya’s enemies. Keerthi isn’t too keen on having a bodyguard following her, especially in college. However, when it becomes either her studies or having a bodyguard she relents. Venkatadri is also appointed to take care of Keerthi’s studies, which frustrates her even more.

In order to disturb Venky, Keerthi starts calling him from a secret number and expresses a fake crush, without revealing who she really is. Soon Venky and the girl fall for each other, and Venky is desperate to see the girl he so much loves. Just when Keerthi thinks she can reveal her identity, her father arranges her marriage. In order to avoid confrontation between Venky and her father, Keerthi asks her friend (Saloni) to help. But will her friend be able to help? What happens next is the rest of the story.

Plus Points :

Bodyguard is a remake of Malayalam original of the same name, which has already been remade in Tamil and Hindi. While the story doesn’t deviate much from the original, Venkatesh still manages to shine, mostly in emotional scenes. Trisha gives a solid performance, which gets better towards the climax. It has become a cliche of sorts to say that Prakash Raj is his usual self, and that Kota Srinivasa Rao is terrific in his role. Saloni too does her bit with ease, supported by the rest of the cast that includes Ali, Subbaraju, etc.

Venu Madhav tickles some funny bones but it is Jai Prakash Reddy, who generates more laughs even though his presence is extremely limited. However more than the actors it is the emotions towards the second half that work for the film, in spite of its visible flaws.

Minus Points :

The first half of the film hardly has anything to offer, with the director being unable to establish his characters properly. Venkatesh’s attempts to deliver mass dialogues and fight sequences fall short of expectations. Also the love story between the lead pair could have been better, it is the conviction of Trisha and Venkatesh that makes the entire story work.

Technical Aspects :

Clichéd dialogue could have been the movie’s biggest disappointment but Thaman’s score ensures that the emotions work. Also worth a dekko are the songs, which have been shot pleasantly in some beautiful locations, and the important factors that work for them is that they seem to come at right time. Sam K Naidu’s cinematography seemed to have been affected mostly by director Gopichand’s inability to get the staging of the scenes right. But the cinematographer excels in the songs, especially in the second half.

When the movie is already made in three languages one expects that a director understands how to elevate his scenes; fortunately for him, his actors and musician who save him. Neither the fights nor the editing grab any special attention. There seems to be a huge difference between how Trisha looks in the songs (and in the second half) compared to the other scenes – makes you wonder if the stylist wasn’t too focused.

Verdict :

Bodyguard is a movie that takes some time to grow on the viewer. It is a simple yet emotional love story of a couple, with decent performances from all the actors. If you think that Businessman will not appeal to your family, take them to watch this one.

Esskay

123telugu.com Rating : 3.25/5

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Legend: 5 – Flawless

4 – Must Watch

3 – One Time Watch

2 – Wait for the DVD

1 – Stay Away