‘Maryada Ramanna’ yet another hit from Rajamouli (Telugu Film Review)

Film: “Maryada Ramanna”; Director: S.S. Rajamouli; Cast: Sunil, Saloni, Brahmaji, Nagineedu, Supreeth and Kanchi; Music: M.M. Keervani; Rating:***1/2

Telugu director S.S. Rajamouli has an enviable record of all his seven films being hits. And he adds another feather to his cap with “Maryada Ramanna”, which features comedy actor Sunil as the hero.

“Maryada Ramanna” is quite different from all his previous commercial hits, which include “Simhadri”, “Magadheera” and “Vikramarkudu”, that focused on giving a larger than life image to the heroes.

Rajamouli has narrated his latest gripping tale with less of comedy and action, but makes it engaging and entertaining.

He has chosen a story revolving around the factional feuds of Andhra Pradesh’s Rayalaseema region where revenge and violence get prime focus. But he has kept away from these two factors in the film.

Rajamouli has put together a fast-paced love story packaged with thrilling and enjoyable elements. He has woven magic with his screenplay and there is never a dull moment in the film.

In the movie, Ramu works in Hyderabad and finds it difficult to lead a decent life. A notice from a village officer reveals that he has a five-acre plot in his native village. Ramu then heads home to sell off this land to get some funds to purchase an auto-rickshaw.

He meets a beautiful girl Aparna in the train. Aparna happens to be the daughter of a big faction leader Ramineedu, whose brother was killed by Ramu’s father many years ago in a factional feud.

Ramu lands at Ramineedu’s house without knowing the past. Ramineedu and his entire family want to kill him… but there is a hitch. Ramu had entered their house as a guest and it is a tradition in Rayalaseema that guests be treated as god.

Ramu comes to know that he is safe only if he is inside the house and will be killed the minute he leaves. Aparna, meanwhile, tries her best to woo Ramu.

Ramu manages to escape from the house and makes all efforts to leave the village as well.

Finally he understands Aparna’s love and decides to be with her even if it means facing a big risk.

Sunil excels in his performance. He has lost weight and shows his brilliance as a dancer too. Saloni has come out with another good performance.

Debutant actor Nagineedu perfectly fits into the villain’s role.

M.M. Keervani’s music is the highlight of the film. All the songs are melodious and hummable. “Ammaayi Vachchindhi” and “Ra Ra Saloni” are well choreographed also.

Rajamouli has once again proved that he is a master at churning out hits.