Nandamuri Balakrishna’s prestigious 100th film being historic epic of Telugu warrior Satakarni is being promoted as Telugu pride.
With film brings collaboration of sensible director Krish and Balayya for the first time and the movie being made on large canvas on par with Baahubali. Since the film clashing with Chiru’s Khaidi No.150 for Sankranthi, the verdict of “Gautamiputra Satakarni” turned out to be more interesting.
Story: Satakarni (Balakrishna) already won majority of southern part and only two kingdoms are left to be emperor of South. He is on a mission to unite whole Bharath into one kingdom under his ruling in order to avoid all the wars and thus to make Bharath a peaceful place. Gautami (Hema Malini) fully in support of Satakarni’s wish. But his wife Vasishtha (Shriya) opposes Satakarni against his wars as it may invite trouble to him, his son Pulamavi.
After wiping out adversaries including Nahapana (Kabir Bedi), Satakarni pledges to take on Greek conquerer Demintris. What forms rest is how Satakarni wins Demintris and establish peace.
Balakrishna
Direction
Powerful Dialogues
Background Music
Post-interval fight
Baahubali has proved that Telugu audiences would welcome period war dramas with open hands. Taking a leaf out of it, director Krish attempts a historic epic with war background on Telugu warrior Satakarni who ruled India in 2nd Century CE. Unlike Baahubali which is a fantasy that has scope for cinematic liberties, Krish is dealing with history that could be a double-edged sword. If it’s not used well it may backfire.
Krish is totally aware of it and keeping it in mind he seems to have done extensive research into the history right from the costumes to the dialects people speak to the jargon. It’s all seen on the screen.
Sample this. There existed Polygamy during Satavahana era and Krish masterfully informs us with just a single scene. There are many such examples of his craftsmanship and attention to minute details. He totally shown his grip on script and taking. The talent of Krish lies in where to start the film and where to end. He hasn’t deviated from the path that makes GPSK a great film.
And Balakrishna breathed life into the role of Satakarni. Probably, no other actor could have done better justice than Balakrishna. He totally dominated the film. Be as menacing warrior or a doting dad or a loving husband or a dutiful son, Balakrishna’s variations hook you to the seat. Sai Madhav’s praiseworthy dialogues make Krish’s job more easy.
Even the songs in the film are all situational that follow with proper lead. The film has no extra scene or forceful dialogue. Each role has been etched out well. The battle episodes stood out. Right from the word go, Krish managed to maintain the curiosity level till the end.
However, post interval the film suffers a bit. Demintris send out his men to wipe Satakarni that could had been handled a bit better. Besides that there’s no point that could find fault with.
Verdict: Masterpiece