Nenu Naa Rakshasi Movie Review

Behind the Movie Nenu Naa Rakshasi: Director Puri Jagannath known for commercial blockbusters brings us this new venture with still to prove Rana and gorgeous Ileana in the lead. As all three are standing at crucial stage of their careers respectively, the long delay in release of this flick has almost killed the enthusiasm of audience. Let us see, what Puri actually wants to say about ‘Suicides’? 

In the Movie Nenu Naa Rakshasi: Abhimanyu aka Abhi (Rana) is a professional shooter who takes suparis from a mediator and kills local gangsters for the sake of money. He falls instantly in love with Meenakshi (Ileana), working in a cafeteria. In the same flow Vikram (Subba Raju), is local Circle Inspector on a special duty to track down the Youtube account of ‘It is My Life Boss.’ This account deals with shooting and uploading of suicides happening in the society but with a purpose behind.

Time comes when Abhimanyu decides to go for a suicide and calls up that particular Youtube account creator. After narrating a small flashback as why Abhi wants to commit suicide, he finds that the girl shooting his suicide episode is none other than Meenakshi. Now, Abhi decides to live for the sake of his love.  

Some how Abhi saves his life and starts to impress Meenakshi to find the reason behind operation of such Youtube account. Mean while Vikram succeeds in tracing the identity of Meenakshi and tries to arrest her for spreading the criminal suicidal thoughts in mankind. Obviously hero Abhi escapes her from police. In the same stoke, gangster Ratna (Abhimanyu Singh of ‘Raktha Charitra 1’fame) on a revenge with Abhi starts chasing him.  

Abhi and Meenakshi fly Venice to save their lives. Here is where Meenkashi decides to commit suicide narrating the depressing flashback of her sister Shravya (Ileana). What are the flashbacks of Abhi and Meenkashi? Why Abhi killed Ratna? How and when Meenakshi understood the love of Abhi? forms the climax.

Values of the Movie Nenu Naa Rakshasi: Puri Jagannath known for mass storylines touched a message oriented line this time based on suicides. Unfortunately Puri missed all the basics in narration including the characterizations of leads. Direction went on pathetic lines no where keeping the audience connected to story. Screenplay had numeric loop holes which isn’t the actual style of perfectionist Puri. Dialogues from this man were helpful in providing statistics for those preparing a thesis on suicides. Jagan tried to annex punches of his natural style which worked out in two scenes on Rana. Cinematography of Amol Rathod was faultless while editing by SR Sekhar demoted the actual concept. Music from Vishwa and Rahman isn’t that effective including the background. Production values of Bhavya Creations are appreciable for showing confidence on this half cooked subject.

Performance wise Rana again didn’t get enough scope to establish himself as a full fledged actor. He looked manly in stylish costumes but stiff body language and expressionless face did the harm. Many a times Rana effortlessly tried to follow mannerisms of Venkatesh. Ileana is gorgeous even without any makeup. She got a role of performance orientation and goods are delivered. Subba Raju as Vikram is an apt match. Abhimanyu Singh excelled with his cruelty and terrifying yet cool facial exposition. Comedy between Ali and Mumaith Khan is most vulgar and disjointed. Among others, Ahuti Prasad, Kota, Nagineedu are mere guest appearances.                

Out of the Movie Nenu Naa Rakshasi: Puri Jagannatha is a man known for heroic punches and effective narration. What went through his mind in selecting this story line is not at all understood. Basic purpose of the movie to give a preaching on suicides is sidelined. “Suicide is not a permanent solution for a temporary problem.” Message is fine and helpful for youth to find some bravery. Lacking of pace, lengthy boring scenes, ineffectiveness in delivering the message affected the final output. 

Strictly speaking, ‘Nenu Naa Rakshasi’ is like a documentary message oriented film with commercial masala padding. Climax is unjustified making Puri to take the total blame. Characterization of Ileana went absolutely worthless with a weak climax. Necessity of going for filthy comedy in this kind of flick is truly questionable. Influence of Ramgopal Varma on Puri Jagannath is distinctly felt in many scenes. Nenu Naa Rakshasi can never become a commercially viable film. None of the audience would like dilution of serious subjects based on ‘Suicide.’  Once again Puri continued his weak form while Rana and Ileana may not find any respite.

Cinejosh Verdict of the Movie Nenu Naa Rakshasi: A ‘Suicidal’ attempt by Puri on ‘Suicides’!

                                                                           Reviewed by Srivaas