Naa Ishtam – Movie Review

Daggubati Rana is desperately looking for a big hit. He has acted in some Telugu films and a Hindi film but he is yet to taste big success. He now comes up with a new film Naa Ishtam. Let us see how the film has turned out to be.

Story: The story is set against Malaysia backdrop. The hero Ganesh (Daggubati Rana) is a practical guy. He works as an event manager. His sole aim is to make money and make more money. He does not believe in things like sentiment. He is only interested in money and will do anything for that. One day Ganesh comes across Krishnaveni (Genelia). She has run away from home and come to Malaysia. She wants to marry her lover Kishore (Harshavadhan Rane). However, to her surprise and dismay Kishore fails to turn up.

Krishnaveni is aghast. However, Ganesh comes to her help. She becomes a financial burden on the money minded Ganesh. When he learns abut Krishnaveni’s story he takes her to India and hands her over to her father. He does this for the reward money promised to him by Nazar.

When Ganesh realises that Nazar is wicked and he is trying to force Krishnaveni to marry another guy, he rescues her and brings her back to Malaysia. In the process, Ganesh slowly falls in love with Krishnaveni. Even before he can express his love for her, the story takes a twist. Kishore turns up and asks Krishnaveni to marry him. What will she do? Will she forgive him and marry him or will she choose Ganesh instead. To know the answer, watch the film on the silver screen.

Performance: Daggubati Rana is effective in the role of a young guy, who is practical in life. He does a good job in the comedy scenes and also dances quite well. He however needs to improve on his diction and mannerism. He comes across stiff in some scenes. Genelia is apt in the role of Krishnaveni. She is bubbly and cute and carries her role quite well. Nazar is effective as usual. The others fit the bill as per the requirements of the script.

Positive: Rana and Genelia's performance, comedy, first half, item song,

Negative: Direction, screenplay, music, editing

Analysis and verdict: Naa Ishtam has a decent storyline, but director Chakri Toleti fails to come up with an interesting screenplay to match the story. His inexperience in a way mars the impact of the film. The music by Chakri is also below average. The poor screenplay and weak direction make the film into just an average movie. Watch the film for Daggubati Rana and Genelia.

Director: Prakash Toleti

Cast: Rana Daggubati, Genelia D'Souza, Brahmanandam, Subbaraju and Ali

Release Date: 23 March, 2012