female viewer can ignore the sor- row of Gemini’s first wife as well. There are memorable cameos from many including Nag Chai- tanya playing his grandfather Nageshwara Rao. Director Ash- win makes telling use of the ref- erences and props from the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s to not only recre- ate the flavor of those times but also to reflect on why those times are so distant and faded from memory. There is an intrinsic hollow-
get enough of Bhanupriya as Savithri’s pedamma (aunt) - a miniscule role in which she looked ter- rific. The backdrops, settings and props are so well designed that you never doubt their time-bound authenticity. Savithri comes across as a brat, a wanton, an urchin and a giver. Dulquer Salman as Gemini Ganesan is a masterly portrayal of the male ego swathed in superficial compassion. Again, like Keerthy, Dulquer steers the performance away from being imitative. His nickname “Ammadi” for Savithri somewhat touches your soul. Their love story probably was genuine and true for a pro- longed moment but unfortunately could not stand the effects of time, fame and fortune. In addition to anguishing for Savithri’s pain, no
ness and hypocrisy in the way a successful woman professional was treated by those whom she trusted. Savithri never failed. Those around her did. Mahanati celebrates a life that finally came to nothing because of its generosity. While her co stars like ANR and NTR are fine and happy financially, it’s sad that Savithri is haunted and hunted down by income tax officials even until her death. Background music captures your heart with haunting melodies but the songs overall are a little disappointing. Except the title song the rest are vi- sually beautiful on screen but not too capturing outside of it. Another small disappointment is the absence of any cameos of yesteryear female stars such as Jamuna, Shaukar Janaki, Anjali Devi or even Bhanumati. Only male cameos of SVR, ANR, NTR Chakrapani and so on are brought in but the fe- male stars are completely sidelined, which leaves you with an unwholesome sensation. The director, understandably, could have assumed that it would be too much work to bring in a suitable cameo for any of those popular actresses. Mahanati overall is a treat and am very proud that it came out in Telugu. Relish it with your par- ents and children.
Mohan Babu as SV RangaRao brings the magnificent star to life
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs