in a fanatic's voice: jagadame....

‘nenenta yedavano naake teleedu!’ (‘I don’t know how useless I am’). That’s what he tells her. Yet, the beautiful damsel loves him.

p-o-k-i-r-i

According to a widely known law of romantics, the brave deserves the beautiful. That’s why, no matter, however the brave hero underrates himself, the beautiful heroine loves him. And according to an untold law of heroism, the existence of a villain indicates the existence of a hero. In this film, ready to challenge any number of villains, there is one tough guy…..

m a h e s h

He is technically the unfaithful henchman of the local goon. He doesn’t care who he is working for. All he is interested is the cash that’s put in his pockets. If you can pay him more than the goons, he will work for you. Now the fascinating fact about him is that, he is crazy of two things: first is to challenge the guts of ‘rowdies’ and ‘goondas’, and the second is -- ‘upma’ in the heroine’s tiffin box.

‘yevadu kodithe dimma tirigi mind block ayyipothado, aade: pandu gaadu’

Mahesh proves to be most convincing, to play Puri Jagannath’s Pokiri. The pulsating characterization is in perfect sync with his vibrant body language and breath-taking charisma. Though the characterization of the villains is weak, Mahesh’s able histrionics does not let the hero’s characterization go down. The hero’s tempo is in-tact and so do the audience’ spirits throughout the film.

‘nenu okkasari commit ayyanante, nene naa maata vinanu’

Illeana is ‘cute and bright and sensuous and mesmerizing and………’ or simply, irresistible. Even a tough guy will realize his sensitivity when he comes across her. The chemistry that she evokes with Mahesh is magical.

written and directed by p u r i j a g a n n a t h

A convincing story and a strong screenplay may not be Puri Jagannath’s strengths as a film-maker. But the characterization of his hero is unmatched. The appealing mannerisms, striking one-liners and lateral thinking are the three important features of his heroes. Pokiri keeps the trend alive.

‘puchcha pelipotadi naa kodaka, kannukko yekkadunnaro’

Mani Sharma’s re-recording is brilliant. But the songs picturisation is adequate. The choreography should have been more innovative, than those routine jumping steps. Cinematography by Shyam K Naidu is appealing. Stunts and Editing are well handled. The production values (Vaishno Academy) are good.

the unique verdict S U P E R B