The 'Lenin' movie review: A Love Story or a Mass-Action Drama?
The Telugu film 'Lenin', directed by Murali Kishor Abburu, opens with a bold assertion: no war is more violent than love. This nod to ancient mythology sets the stage for an epic love story, or so the filmmakers claim. But is it truly an epic love tale, or something else?
The film follows Lenin, an outsider who enters a village during a cultural festival, Bharatham Mitta, celebrating Draupadi. His initial motivation is simple: a good meal. But Lenin's journey is far from ordinary. It's a tale of friendship, love, deceit, and revenge, with a heavy dose of mythology.
The Love Story: A Missed Opportunity?
At its core, 'Lenin' struggles to capture the audience's investment in its love story. The potential for a powerful love and pathos narrative is there, but it's not fully realized. The romance between Lenin and Bharathi feels conventional, lacking the depth and complexity that would make it truly memorable. Instead of a nuanced exploration, the film relies on a meet-cute template, offering an overdose of song and dance.
The Rural Setting: A Double-Edged Sword
The film's rustic setting is beautifully rendered, with attention to detail. But it also becomes a double-edged sword. The narrative struggles to shake off the mass-action drama template, with familiar tropes and characters echoing those from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. While some characters are formidable, others are reduced to cardboard villains, making the proceedings tedious.
A Fresh Take on Rural Dramas?
Akhil Akkineni, the protagonist, makes an earnest attempt to embrace a rustic avatar, and he's convincing in both romantic and action sequences. However, the script could have benefited from a fresher approach, avoiding the mass-action template and the echoes of 'Pushpa' and other rural dramas. A more original script might have brought a unique perspective to the table.
Strengths and Weaknesses
'Lenin' has its strengths, like Bharathi's brief moments of assertiveness, challenging the objectification of women in mainstream Telugu films. Easwari Rao's layered character also stands out, despite limited screen time. The film's cinematography and music elevate the drama, but the reliance on mythological references and twists can become tiresome.
A Setback for Akhil Akkineni?
The review hints at a potential career setback for Akhil Akkineni, whose previous film, 'Agent', tanked at the box office. 'Lenin' shows marked growth as an actor, but a fresher script could have further elevated his performance. The line about not being a 'closed chapter' can be interpreted as a reference to both the film and Akhil's career, leaving room for improvement.
In conclusion, 'Lenin' is a film with potential, but it falls short of being an epic love story. It's a mass-action drama with a rural setting, and while it has its strengths, it could have benefited from a more original approach. The love story, central to the film's premise, needs more depth and complexity to truly captivate audiences.
