Summary

Waltair Veerayya (Telugu) 2 out of 5
Cast: Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja, Prakash Raj, Bobby Simha, Rajendra Prasad, Shruti Hassan, Catherine Teresa, Vennela Kishore and others
Director: Bobby Kohli
Producers: Naveen Yerneni and Y Ravi Shankar
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Running time: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Genre: Action drama/comedy

Chiranjeevi is an actor who came with no background but emerged as a megastar with his hard work. There is a huge fan base that Chiranjeevi enjoys. But of late the actor has been struggling big time ever since he made a comeback to cinema.

Apart from Khaidi No 150, nothing has clicked for the actor.

Waltair Veerayya is thus an important film to him as neither Acharya nor Godfather set the box office on fire, although the latter had good reviews.

The promos of Waltair promised Chiranjeevi at his massy best and the addition of Ravi Teja had made the audiences excited.

Chiru has a blast

There is no denying that Chiranjeevi had a blast playing Waltair and his energy at the age of 67 is indeed commendable, but the end result is still hugely underwhelming.

Chiranjeevi is a smuggler of luxury goods and liquor along with being a fisherman. In spite of having a criminal record, there is a certain respect that Waltair enjoys. He is so respected that even the Coast Guard takes his help when in dire need.

Even a police officer like Seethapathi (Rajendra Prasad) approaches Waltair to help him bring back a notorious drug dealer Solomon Caesar (Bobby Simha) from Malaysia. Waltair and co go to Malaysia to kidnap Solomon.

Here Veerayya’s path crosses with that of Solomon’s brother Michael Caesar (Prakash Raj in another routine villain role). Waltair and Michael have a past that is connected to ACP Vikram Sagar (Ravi Teja). Vikram Sagar and Veerayya are step brothers.

Commercial package

What follows is a template commercial package where the elder brother takes revenge on the enemies and restores honour to his dead younger brother.

The story of Waltair doesn’t make any bones of being different and the fan appeasement is very clear from the moment Chiranjeevi is introduced.

The first half is sporadically engaging, all thanks to the comic timing of Chiranjeevi. His fear of heights generates some chuckles. There is a particular slang that the actor uses and this leads to some entertaining moments.

The other members of the gang that include Srinivasa Reddy and Saptagiri don’t get to do much in spite of their proven comic skills.

Sruthi Hassan’s character has an interesting twist when she is revealed to be a RAW officer, but as in most big ticket vehicles, she is relegated to the background soon.

Things take a turn for the better at the interval point and the interval bang is where the real story begins.

Ravi Teja factor

Ravi Teja’s entry and his scenes with Chiranjeevi are easily the best part of the second half.

The scenes where both the actors reference each other’s films do bring a smile to your face. There is big friction between them but at the same time there is also an undercurrent of emotion.

In spite of knowing where the story is going to head, you are involved as long as Ravi Teja is there.

As ACP Sagar, Ravi Teja brings a certain intensity to his part. A particular mention must be made of Ravi Teja’s death scene and the one final conversation that he has with his brother.

But once the flashback ends, the film starts becoming a big slog with endless action scenes and the pre-climax involving vigilante justice leaves the audiences with a sour taste.

Both Prakash Raj and Bobby Simha are earnest in their parts, but these are roles that they can play even in sleep.

As in most Telugu films, there is a huge set of supporting actors; but, with the exception of Rajendra Prasad, none have anything much to contribute.

The music by Devi Sri Prasad is apt for those who enjoy mass entertainers.

Chiru needs better scripts!

As Waltair, Chiranjeevi undoubtedly has a blast. His performance in both the comic and emotional bits is a delight to watch.

But it is high time that the actor understands the changing tastes of audiences and chooses scripts accordingly.

It would be good if the senior actor takes the route of an Amitabh Bachchan or a Mammooty.