Starring: Sampoornesh Babu, Naresh, Venkatesh Maha, Sharanya Pradeep, Chakradhar, Raghavan, and others
Directors: Puja Kolluru
Producer: S. Sashikanth, Chakravarthy Ramachandra
Music Director: Smaran Sai
Cinematographers: Deepak Yaragera
Editor: Puja Kolluru
“Martin Luther King,” starring Sampoornesh Babu, is the official remake of the critically acclaimed Tamil movie “Mandela.” Let’s delve into how this film fares.
Story:
Set in the village of Padamarapadu, “Martin Luther King” revolves around two brothers, Jagjivan Ram (Naresh) and Lokmanya Tilak (Venkatesh Maha), who aspire to become the village President. Their electoral rivalry takes a peculiar turn as they categorize voters by caste, resulting in a tie. The decisive vote lies with Smile (Sampoornesh Babu), a humble cobbler. The plot unfolds as the brothers make efforts to win Smile’s vote, his transformation into Martin Luther King, and the suspenseful revelation of his choice.
Plus Points:
“Martin Luther King” boasts an engaging premise, elevated by a remarkable performance from Sampoornesh Babu, who flawlessly embodies the character of an innocent cobbler. This might be the actor’s finest performance to date.
Sharanya Pradeep’s role as Vasantha, though brief, leaves a significant impact on the film. Naresh and Venkatesh Maha also deliver strong performances that make the film worth watching.
The supporting cast members contribute decent performances. The climax is a highlight, enhanced by the score.
The director deserves credit for shedding light on the persistence of casteism and mistreatment of lower-caste individuals in rural India.
Minus Points:
Despite a promising premise, the film falls short due to lackluster narration, particularly in the first half. A more gripping screenplay could have been crafted, especially in the initial portions.
While Naresh and Venkatesh Maha have pivotal roles, the character arcs could have been more robust to make their roles more impactful.
While the scattered comedy is acceptable, injecting more humor into this political comedy-drama could have made it a more enjoyable experience.
The film could have included a couple of scenes to emphasize the importance of voting and equality. Additionally, some thought-provoking dialogues could have added depth to the narrative.
Some characters in the film may be less familiar to the audience, making it challenging for them to connect. Several scenes in the first half feel drawn out, and there is a sense of repetitiveness in the second half.
Technical Aspects:
Debutant director Puja Aparna Kolluru does a decent job overall, but an improved screenplay in the first half could have made a significant difference.
The music and score by Smaran Sai are satisfactory. Deepak Yaragera’s cinematography meets expectations, and Puja Kolluru’s editing is acceptable, although the first half could have been more tightly edited.
Production values are adequate.
Verdict:
“Martin Luther King” introduces an intriguing concept but is held back by a slow-paced screenplay, resulting in a below-average cinematic experience. Sampoornesh Babu delivers a commendable performance that suits the film’s requirements, and other cast members offer satisfactory performances. However, the film is plagued by pacing issues and some repetitiveness in the second half. If you’re seeking a movie to watch this weekend, it might be wise to explore other film options for your entertainment.