Dhoni - Movie Review

Many know Prakash Raj as a versatile artiste but a very few of them know that he is a passionate filmmaker, who loves to deliver good films. To his credit, he had earlier produced Abhiyum Nanum (Akasamantha in Telugu) and made his directorial debut in Kannada film industry by remaking it. However, he has now directed his first Telugu-Tamil film in the form of Dhoni, which is inspired by a Marathi film. Read on for the review.

Story:
Subrahmanyam (Prakash Raj) is a middle-class man, who always run for money doing all sorts of works right from dawn to dusk to bring up his daughter Kaveri (Sriteja) and Karthick (Akash). He wishes to give them good education. On the other end, Karthick wants to become a good cricketer. While Subrahmanyam joins him in a good school, Akash fails in most of the subjects. However, his cricket coach (Nazar) is in all praise, as Karthcik played the major role in winning a cricket tournament.

Kaveri often spends time with Nalini (Radhika Apte). Accidentally, Subbu gets to know that Nalini earns her living through prostitution and strictly orders his daughter to stay away from her. As Karthick was poor in studies, the principal tells Subbu to take his son out. Immediately Subbu takes Karthick away from cricket coaching and made him to go a series of tuition classes. Karthick fails to cope up with studies even after leaving cricket, which makes Subbu to lose his patience and beats him up and injures his head for which he gets arrested. What happens next should be seen on-screen.

Performance:
As usual Prakash Raj has given an electrifying performance. Radhika Apte, who is seen as his neighbour, is good and Mugdha Godse has played her part well. Gollapudi Maruti Rao, Melkote, Talaivasal Vijay have done justice to their roles. While Prabhu Deva will be seen in a special song, Dhoni has made a guest appearance. Murali Sharma and Nazar have done equally important roles to Prakash Raj in this movie as cricket coach and teacher. Above all, Puri Jagannath's son Akash is the hero in the film and he is extraordinary.

Technical:
Illayaraja"s background score elevated the scenes while his songs are melodious and make the audiences humming even after the song gets over. Cinematographer KV Guhan and editor Kishore are good. When it comes to direction, Prakash Raj should be praised for not only doing his best, but also for taking excellent job out of his technical team.

Remarks:
Undoubtedly, the film will entertain the audiences and they will get a feel that the money spent on the tickets are worth.

Cast: Prakash Raj, Mugdha Godse, Akash (Puri Jagannath"s son), Radhika Apte, Nazar, Tenikella Bharani, Brahmanandam, Murali Sharma, Gollapudi Maruthi Rao, Melkote, Hema, Talaivasal Vijay, Ananth, Kasturi Suchi, Sriteja, Prabhu Deva (guest), Dhoni (cameo)
Credits: Cinematography – KV Guhan; Editing – Kishore Te; Lyrics – Sirivennela Sitaramasastry; Music – Illayaraja; Producer – Prakash Raj Productions; Story and direction – Prakash Raj
Banner: Duet Movies
Released on: February 10, 2012