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Salman Khan’s Dabangg was not just a blockbuster film, it celebrated the drama and action of 70s Hindi films. Pawan Kalyan’s Gabbar Singh is the remake of Dabangg, and like all his films, this film too comes with a plethora of expectations. So will Gabbar Singh be as big as Dabangg? Let’s see.

What’s it about:
In Kondaveedu, Venkataratnam Naidu is a naughty kid brought up by a loving mother (Suhashini), and a rather strict father (Nagineedu). Seeing that his step brother gets away with mischief while he is punished Venkataratnam calls himself a villain, and names himself Gabbar Singh, influenced by the villain of Sholay. Now, as a police officer, Gabbar Singh (Pawan Kalyan) combines his rashness and a sense of responsibility to restore peace in Kondaveedu which has thus far suffered problems from local goons.

This spoils the political aspirations of a local goon Siddhappa Naidu (Abhimanyu Singh), who repeatedly faces trouble from Gabbar Singh. As a result Siddhappa uses Gabbar’s step brother to get back at him. How Gabbar Singh gets over Siddhappa becomes the rest of the story.

What’s Good:
It seems Pawan Kalyan has enjoyed himself in the character of Gabbar Singh, and it shows in the film. He carries most of the film on his shoulders, with his unique dialogue delivery, mannerisms, fights etc. Abhimanyu Singh as the wannabe young politician is good too. The initial confrontation scenes between Pawan Kalyan and Abhimanyu Singh have a certain energy about them that must definitely be watched.

Thanikella Bharani as Abhimanyu Singh’s villainous uncle brings an insanity to his character that only he seems to specialize in! Shruthi Haasan, as Pawan Kalyan’s love interest, tries to look the part as a rural belle. Gayathri of Happy Days gets some decent footage in a rather ‘vampish’ role minus skimpy dressing!

Mallaika Arora’s appearance in the item song also works in the film’s favor. Suhasini as Gabbar’s mother is nice, and the rest of the cast including Nagineedu, Rao Ramesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao all have small but important roles to play.

Gabbar Singh’s biggest plus point is going to be its heavy comedy in the first half, and to some extent in the second half – thanks to Brahmanandam, Ali, Jai Prakash Reddy and lots of other character artists. Infact the first half is so breezy and funny, that you won’t realize it has come to an end.

What’s Bad:
It is because of the first half that a lot is expected from the second half, and only part of such expectations are met. While there is enough comedy, action and a mix of other emotions throughout the movie, the hero’s motive becomes clear only in the final stages.

As a result, the entire story has to bank a lot on Pawan Kalyan’s star image, than on true emotions supporting a hero. Also, the sequences leading to the climax and the climax itself haven’t been handled deftly.

Technical Departments:
Dialogue from Harish Shankar, especially those written for Pawan Kalyan, are terrific and pack a punch. Infact some are as good as Trivikram’s dialogues (is this the reason why he has been acknowledged in the credits?) Harish Shankar handles the first half well, supported by his star actor, characters and dialogues.

Music by Devisri Prasad is entertaining, be it in the songs or in the background. Jayanan Vincent’s camera work is good. His work is more noticeable in songs shot in the picturesque foreign locales, and also in the well choreographed fights.

Art director Brahma Kadali built some interesting sets to create a village like atmosphere and they set the environment extremely well. Editing could have been better.

Final Point:
Gabbar Singh is a very entertaining film, and has everything to meet the expectations of Pawan Kalyan’s fans.Pawan’s star image and superb performance will definitely create a sensation at the Box office.

123telugu.com Rating : As we are the media partners for the film, it is not ethical to rate movies that we have promoted. Hence, we are not giving a rating. Read the review and enjoy the film folks.

Reviewed by Esskay