118 Movie Review: A Brilliant Kalyan Ram Makes This Thriller A Treat For Nandamuri Fans
Reviews
oi-Roktim Rajpal
By Staff
Rating:
3.0/5
Star
Cast:
Kalyan
Ram,
Nivetha
Thomas,
Shalini
Pandey
Director:
KV
Guhan
Actor
Kalyan
Ram
is
arguably
one
of
the
most
talented
young
stars
in
the
Telugu
film
industry
today.
However,
the
Nandamuri
hero
has
not
really
been
able
to
reach
his
full
potential
yet
as
most
of
his
films
have
not
fared
as
well
as
expected.
Last
year,
he
tasted
success
with
MLA
but
failed
to
hit
the
right
notes
with
Naa
Nuvve.
With
the
year
of
mixed
fortunes
behind
him,
Kalyan
Ram
is
back
with
118
which
hit
screens
today(March
1,
2019).
The
film
is
one
of
the
big
releases
on
the
month
and
has
created
a
good
deal
of
buzz
amongst
fans.
So,
did
it
live
up
to
the
hype?
Read
the
118
movie
review
to
find
out.
Plot
118,
touted
to
be
an
action-thriller,
revolves
around
the
unexpected
events
that
unfold
when
a
TV
journalist
undertakes
a
dangerous
investigation
which
proves
to
be
more
challenging
than
expected.
Screenplay
And
Direction
Cinematographer-turned-director
KV
Guhan
has
done
a
fairly
good
job
with
118
and
proved
his
mettle.
The
film
manages
to
click
with
the
fans
owing
to
its
crisp
and
engaging
screenplay
which
relies
on
'showing'
rather
'telling'.
Barring
a
few
scenes,
the
film
does
not
drag
and
this
is
the
hallmark
of
a
captivating
thriller.
The
scenes
involving
Kalyan
Ram
and
Shalini
Pandey
have
come
out
well.
Similarly,
a
few
of
the
action/chase
sequences
too
manage
to
make
an
impact.
However,
the
flashback
scene--
which
has
an
emotional
touch--
could
have
been
executed
better.
Performances
Kalyan
Ram
carries
off
the
challenging
role
with
utmost
ease
and
proves
that
he
has
grown
as
a
performer.
Everything
about
his
performance-right
from
his
stylish
look
to
his
impressive
body
language--
is
simply
awesome.
Nivetha
Thomas,
who
plays
an
important
role
in
118,
is
quite
good.
Shalini
Pandey
too
essays
her
part
her
role
with
full
sincerity.
Technical
Aspects
The
cinematography
is
top
notch
and
adds
a
new
dimension
to
the
viewing
experience
by
enhancing
the
impact
of
the
action
sequences.
The
background
music
too
gels
well
with
the
on-screen
action.
The
songs
are
hummable
with
Chandamama
being
the
pick
of
the
lot.
Positives
Kalyan
Ram's
Performance\
Background
Score
Riveting
Screenplay
Solid
First
Half
Negatives
Flashback
Scene
Might
Not
Click
With
The
Masses
Verdict
118
is
a
captivating
thriller
that
manages
to
strike
the
right
notes.
It
should
click
with
Nandamuri
fans.