Reviews : Movie Reviews : Nanna

Film: Nanna
Cast: Vikram, Anushka, Amala Paul, Surekha Vani, Sara, Santhanam, Nasser, Y G Mahendran, Sachin Khadekar and others
Dialogues: Shashank Vennelakanti
Music: G V Prakash Kumar
Cinematography: Nirav Shah
Produced by: Malla Vijaya Prasad and Suresh Kondeti
Written and directed by: Vijay
Released on: July 15, 2011
CBFC Rating: U

What's it about!

Mentally challenged Krishna (Vikram) works in a chocolate factory near Ooty and his wife dies after the birth of a child. The child becomes his world and names her Vennela (Sara). When Vennela joins the school, Krishna's father-in-law comes to know about the child and he takes Vennela with him. With the help of a lawyer Anu (Anushka), Krishna fights for the custody of his daughter with his father-in-law.

Analysis

Nanna is an engaging drama. Movies about Father - daughter bonding are not new to us. Also films about mentally challenged protagonists especially Swathi Mutyam and Chanti were big hits in Telugu. Yet, Nanna is different from earlier films and the director Vijay makes it a very sweet movie and treats it with sensitivity. Although the film is rip-off Hollywood flick, I am Sam (2001) , which was later copied in Hindi by Ajay Devgan as Main Aisa Hi Hoon, the director has given more focus on the relationship between father and daughter.

Pace of the movie is sluggish but poignant moments in the second half, Vikram's excellent performance, and the child's endearing act leave you in emotional state. A bit sentimental and tearjerker but it has its heart at right place.

The movie solely belongs to the actor Vikram and he carries the movie on his shoulders with great performance. Even the director should be commended as he never sidetracks from the script, nor he embellishes the movie with inane separate comedy track or masala songs. But the director should have focused on the pace of the film, as it is very slow.

Performances

Vikram comes back in form with the movie. Nanna completely belongs to him; his performance in the film ranks among the best in his career. Three decades ago Kamal Haasan did similar character in Swati Mutyam. So it is challenge for any actor to do a role that Kamal already did as comparisons would be drawn but Vikram comes as winner. His expressions, his innocent laughs, diction are treat to watch.

Next comes Sara. The child actor walks straight into your heart with her absolute splendid performance. She is cute and gives lovely expressions and matches with the seasoned actor like Vikram.

Anushka does the role that has good scope to show her acting abilities and she does her best. Amala Paul has good looks but her role is miniscule. Nasser as lawyer and Sachin Khadekar as father-in-law, Santhanam as friend to Anushka are good too. Surekha Vani also makes her presence felt in a brief role.

Cinematographer Nirav Shah and music director G V Prakash elevate the mood of the movie with their work. Nirav Shah captures the Ooty locations beautifully, while G V Prakash gives mellifluous tunes according to the film's theme. His background score is very good. Artwork is fine. Dialogues by Shashank Vennelakanti are okay.

This is a first film for Telugu audiences to know Tamil director Vijay's abilities, he looks like a great talent. His strength lies in narrating the movie with such tenderly and bringing out emotions so well.

Bottom-line

Nanna touches your heart with tender moments in the second half. It engulfs you in emotional mood towards the climax. A bit slow flick but very touchy. If you are looking for entertainment, then it doesn't offer any that you seek but if you are in mood to watch for a sweet and endearing movie, then get a date with this.

Rating: 3:25/ 5

Reviewed by JP

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