Touted as one of the most expensive films to be made in India, this highly anticipated part one of the two-part period epic, manages to enthrall you with its sheer scale and grandeur. Painstakingly made, paying acute attention to detail for the minutest of sound and visuals, Rajamouli(Eega, Magadheera), who spent three years making this ambitious film ensures that the larger-than-life execution matches his grandiose vision. Though this swashbuckling adventure relies heavily on CGI and VFX, it doesn’t lack emotional resonance. It manages to be much more than a blood-soaked romp. The heart of the film lies in the simple thought that good is mightier than evil.
However, there are a few glitches, which may not be deal-breakers per say but do stick out. For instance, Tamannaah, who plays the Katniss Everdeen like bow-wielding warrior, breaks into a romantic song with Shiva, baring her slender midriff to cater to’popular demands’. Shiva’s impromptu dance under the waterfall is reminiscent of a Liril commercial. The film’s duration could be an issue for those not high on patience. Also, the movie reminds you of Troy, Thor, The Dark Knight Rises, Karan Arjun(Devasena chanting, ’Mera beta aayega’) to name a few, giving you the recurring’been-there-seen-that’ feeling. Shiva has the values of Prince Hector, bravery of Achilles and can make the jump Bruce Wayne did to get out of the pit. Bhallala deva can be Agamemnon.
However, the elaborate battle-scene climax makes the film a spectacular watch nonetheless. Very rarely has an Indian film managed to achieve this feat. The casting is terrific. Ramya Krishnan in her short but substantial role is flawless as the feisty Raajmata. Tamannaah does the action bit well. Prabhas and Rana Daggubati are outstanding. They hugely contribute to making this routine good vs bad film a visual extravaganza.entertainment guaranteed. The scene which sees Shiva singlehandedly erecting a giant gold statue of Bhallala Deva is jawdroppingly iconic. Take a bow S.S. Rajamouli.