99

The very thought of going to the cinemas gives you a high. The past five Fridays have been very unsettling, witnessing a few inconsequential releases, with the viewer looking everywhere but at the theatres. The practice of going back to a dark auditorium, the aroma of popcorn and samosas, comes to an end with 99, which opens at plexes and single screens, both.

99, helmed by Raj Nidimoru [Raj] and Krishna D.K. [D.K.], is a good looking film with some smart moments thrown in, towards the second hour mainly. In fact, it takes time to grasp things, the characters, the plotline. Besides, Raj and D.K. take their own sweet time to establish the characters, set things up and come to the point.

99 actually takes off in the second hour. From the time the lights are dimmed [post interval] to the time the lights are lit again [conclusion of the film], 99 keeps you engrossed in most parts. The only problem is, it's too slow-paced at times and lengthy too, towards the penultimate moments. Just when you thought that the film has ended, another chase follows, which eventually leads to the finale. Final word? 99 is smart, good looking and interesting, in parts. Quite a ride this, if you don't go with much expectations!