Commercial success is equally important and crucial not only for an actor but also for the film makers in any film industry. Telugu Cinema is of no exception for this rule. At a moment when Chiranjeevi was doing versatile roles and emerging as the most influential lead actor of the age- he got a golden opportunity to act in an out and out commercial film like Gang Leader. Commercial films are not devoid of logic but they entertain the audience so much and take them to the fictional world- at the same time making them think about hard realities and wrong happenings around them. Though the story is a typical family drama involving fun , sentiments and tragedy- the style aspect of this film took Telugu Cinema to a new level.
Story Details:
Raghupathi (Murali Mohan), Raghava( Sarath Kumar) and Rajaram (Chiranjeevi) are three affectionate brothers of a family. Raghupathi is the breadwinner of the family, while Raghava is a civil services aspirant, our hero Rajaram is a fearless youth who has a gang – searching for jobs and opposing any wrong doings happening around their place. Rajaram is pampered by his grandmother (NIramalamma) as she has a special liking for him because he resembles her husband. One day Rajaram meets Kanyakumari (Vijayashanthi), a bold woman who tries to live in a house without paying rent to the owner. Right from then Kanyakumari falls for Rajaram’s style and fearless attitude. Ekambaram (Rao Gopal Rao) is an influential man in the city who kills Raghupathi one day, because the latter is a sole witness of a judge’s murder. It was when Rajaram goes to jail for the sake of money, and Raghava is in Delhi for Civils. Everybody assumes that Raghupathi’s death was an accident. Rest of the story is about how Rajaram finds that his brother’s death was murder and his revenge on Ekambaram and his team.
Performances:
Chiranjeevi literally rocks as the careless youth, a responsible member of a family and a person filled with revenge. His dialogue “Raffadistha” became a rage during the 90s. His chemistry with Vijayashanthi speaks mountains in every frame they appear- let it be arguments, fun elements or in songs! He looks spectacular in the song sequences with brilliant dancing skills. Vijayashanthi is brilliant as the fearless female lead- who could complement every dialogue of Chiranjeevi. Murali Mohan is balanced as the elder brother, and Sarath Kumar gives a decent performance. Sumalatha played the role of an arrogant lady who marries Sarath Kumar and ill-treats their family- with perfection. Niramalamma is perfect as the doting grandmother and generates great laughter. Rao Gopal Rao is at his evil best.
Technical Aspects:
The dialogues are written by Paruchuri Brothers- who are proficient in writing lines about injustice, and questions about the wrong happenings in the country. Their dialogues add so much value to the film’s theme. Cinematography by Lok Singh in another asset for the film. Music by Bappi Lahari became a great hit and the all the songs in the film are energizing and fun filled. Direction by Vijaya Bapineedu is no less for a commercial film and he maintains the entertainment value throughout.