Cast: Nani, Surabhi, Niveda Thomas, Srinivas Avasarala, Anand, Tanikella Bharani, Pragathi, Rohini, Vennela Kishore, Satyam Rajesh, Rama Prabha
Banner: Sridevi Movies
Music: Mani Sharma
Cinematography: P G Vinda
Editor: Marthand K Venkatesh
Story: R David Nathan
Producer: Sivalenka Krishna Prasad
Screenplay-Direction: Mohan Krishna Indraganti
A cool and classy suspense drama – engaging in parts!
Plot:
Catherine (Niveda Thomas) and Aishwarya (Surabhi) are co-passengers in flight. As a part of a friendly conversation, Catherine narrates her love story with Gautam (Nani) while Aishwarya tells her love story with Jai, her fiancé. But as soon as they both land in Hyderabad, Catherine is shocked to see Jai, a look alike of Gautam and heartbroken to learn of Gautam’s unexpected death. Nithya (Sreemukhi), an investigative journalist probing into Jai’s company issue informs Cathy the suspicious case of Jai thereby planting doubts over Gautam’s mysterious death as well. What’s the link between Jai and Gautam and how did Catherine unfold Gautam’s death mystery forms the rest of the story.
Performances:
Nani: We know him as a natural yet exceptional actor and he displays his acting prowess once again. Well if you ask us whether he is the hero or villain of the story, we would say both! How? Well that’s for you to find out watching the film.
Niveda Thomas: Ahoy! Telugu film industry has got yet another fresh, cute heroine and a super talented actress.
Surabhi: This gorgeous lady also got a decent role that she plays with elegance.
Srinivas Avasarala: You will get to watch a never seen before shade of Srinivas Avasarala - but only if his character was give more meat!
Vennela Kishore: He gives you the much needed comic relief in a different yet hilarious character!
The rest of the cast including Thanikella Bharani, Pragathi, Anand and others play their part and leave.
Analysis:
Indraganti Mohan Krishna, a filmmaker who prefers to make honest and different attempts irrespective of the fate of his films is once again back with a different tale. He makes this film keeping aside Nani’s image and expectations.
Now coming to the film, it is a suspense drama knit around a love story and a family. He sketched his first half exceptionally well with his mark love stories and sensibilities. The placement of the key twist in the pre-interval block was predictable yet impressive. However narration in the second half focuses more on the attempts to reveal the suspense than intensifying it with the quintessential twists and highs that in turn starts affecting the viewing experience. The super hyped hero prefers to play the victim and the underdog villain forgets to deliver the masterstroke – as a result, ‘Gentleman’ turns out to be a half-cooked and garnished romantic thriller.
If it is any engaging, it is because of the performances, Vennela Kishore comedy in between and the brilliant re-recording. Since it is a romantic thriller, we may refrain from expecting comedy stuff but what if we are not given the basic requisites of a suspense drama/thriller?
Merits:
- Story
- Lead cast performance especially Nani and Niveda Thomas
- Engaging first half
- Re-recording
- Cinematography
De-merits:
- Narration in the second half
- Lack of regular commercial ingredients may disappoint the masses.
Music:
It feels great to see the class apart maestro Mani Sharma’s name (for music and re-recording) on the celluloid once again. Songs are soothing and situational (some may call it “slow” and “boring” in the vernacular tone) but the re-recording is absolutely top-notch!
Others:
Production Design is impressive
Verdict:
Gentleman is a cool and classy suspense drama that is engaging in parts. Anyone’s who is expecting a different tale to watch this weekend or anyone who is not expecting a routine Nani mark entertainer is the happiest customer! Hero or Villain, To or Not to watch – that’s for you to decide!