Dongaata is a fun ride

A kidnap drama is not new to cinema but the way it unfolds is what matters. ‘Dongaata’, is definitely in the same genre and is quite interesting and fun to watch. The template is a bit different from the usual stuff one gets to see every week.

This abduction drama not just entertains but leaves you with some thoughts to take back home. The ensemble casting is good and the foursome, namely, Lakshmi, Adivi Sesh, Madhu and Prabhakar amuse with some thrills while the extra layering is thrown in by Brahmanandam.

Lakshmi plays Shruthi an actress. Sesh, Madhu and Prabhakar hatch a plan to kidnap Shruthi. They do so successfully and call her mother (played by Pragati) and demand a ransom of Rs 10 crore. However, after a while their plan runs into troubled waters. Will this kidnap drama be successful? Well, that’s the rest.

The fun element permeates through the film. Brahmanandam’s presence as detective Brahmi-man on fire peps up the entertainment quotient quite a bit. Although the film is filled with enjoyable moments, the second half of the film tugs on emotions too.

In that sense, director Vamsy Krishna has been able to strike a balance between fun and seriousness. The film’s second half is filled with more twists than the first and therefore makes for a worthwhile watch. Largely the film rides on humour in built in the lines and situations the four major actors go through.

The twists keep one’s eyes arrested on the screen. While the film follows a certain trajectory given it is a kidnap drama there are some elements like the songs, which are inserted randomly. The special song featuring all the stars like Nagarjuna, Ravi Teja, Rana Daggubati, Nani, Sudheer Babu, Taapsee is a nice peppy number and a major attraction.

It was nice to see some stars getting together for a song in a Telugu film à la ‘Om Shanti Om’. Lakshmi’s song has some meaningful lyrics. Even though these were inserted they were contextual. However, there were some episodes which didn’t seem to fit in particularly the ones dealing with Giri Babu and his wife.

All the performances by the main actors were earnest and believable. Lakshmi fits into the role superbly and delivers a good performance. The role seemed like a cake walk for her. She looked gorgeous too. She has done a good job in acting in and producing a film like this. Adivi Sesh looked cool and suave and carried himself well.

Endowed with good looks and screen presence, Sesh can perform any role even one with grey shades. Madhu and Prabhakar chipped in well too and the foursome really did well. For seasoned actors like Brahmanandam, Prithvi, Pragathi and JP Reddy their roles didn’t require any effort.

The film scores high on the technical front. Vamsy Krishna and Lakshmi Manchu should be complimented for making a different, refreshing fun-filled film and an apt one for the summer holidays! Take the ‘Dongaata’ ride!

Movie Name : Dongaata

Cast : Lakshmi Manchu, Adivi Sesh, Madhu, Prabhakar and Brahmanandam

Direction : N Vamsy Krishna

Genre : Crime comedy

Likes : Plot, performances, special song

Dislikes : Tardy first half, some unnecessary scenes

By Radhika Rajamani