Sri Ramadasu (2006)

Just perfect...

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

Mostly, the movie is committed to the value of a good time.

Saw this movie many years ago and love the songs. The movie captures the essence of a devotee, his relationship with the Lord. I think that is the sum essence of all of life.In one of the songs, the devotee Ramadaasu complains about the money he spent for the various ornaments to decorate the Lord. Lord out of His mercy lovingly allows such emotions amongst His devotees. I therefore believe that nobody should mess with devotees as it would draw the Ire of Lord, whose love for His devotees knows no bounds.

Nagarjuna is perhaps the most unluckiest actor in Telugu. He is a very brilliant actor and does full justice to any role he portrays, but gets recognised only for his glamour. His performance, in the scenes following the conviction of Gopanna, is just great. It needs a lot of performing skill to show anguish, pain, spirituality, suffering and subtlety at a time i.e., It is a very complex character with lot of nuances and Nagarjuna, as expected, comes out with flying colors and delivers a riveting performance. His histrionics are excellent in "Dasaradhi" song. He is so adorable as Gopanna and lively as Ramadasu. The transition phase in the life of Ramadasu is one more scene in which Nagarjuna does an excellent job. Full marks(10/10) to him. No wonder, he received "Nandi Award - Best Actor" for his fantastic portrayal. This is by far, the best on screen depiction of Bhaktha Ramadasu.Keeravani is a huge asset to this devotional saga. His songs, though some tunes are taken from already composed Ramadasu bhajans, are still great. But what actually takes the cake is his outstanding Background Score. Each and every shift in emotion has been beautifully orchestrated by Keeravani. He brought all native Indian classical instruments and used them beautifully well. His re-recording in the transition phase of Ramadasu is excellent. Sad that his work didn't get what it actually deserves from government. Again, 10/10.Direction by Raghavendra Rao is strictly okay, but not very great. Some additional plus points like Nagarjuna's excellent acting, Keeravani's mellifluous background score & overall devotional feel, concealed his incoherent, incosistent and sometimes faulty direction. Actually, the song "Chalu Chalu.." is touted to be picturised for masses, but inturn it hampered the devotional aspect and completeness of the film. Also, the conversation between Sunil and his parents is irritating. One doesn't expect such kind of cheap things in a film which is assumed to be a complete devotional journey. But Raghavendra Rao failed in guessing audience pulse. So, only 6/10 for Raghavendra Rao. I think, he did a better work in "Annamayya".Rest others in the cast did their part very well, though Suman (as Lord Rama) couldn't repeat the mesmerizing effect of Lord Venkateswara, in Annamayya. But still, he is good. Dialogues are good. Editing is fine. Art work deserves special appreciation, as it literally transports viewers to 17th century. Make-up is good. All these departments put together, I would give 9/10.On total, it is 9/10. A must watch for all Telugu people. Drench yourself in Devotional feel.

Another feather in the cap of Raghavendra Rao. Wish Annamayya is made now. The graphics and audio are superb. A well made film. The comedy track with Sunil especially the way the dialogues were delivered by his character and the dialogues in the cart between him and his parents are slightly cheap - could have been made better. Overall the film is great. The picturisation of the song "Antha Ramamayam" is fantastic. Especially the grandeur in which the descent of Rama (Vishnu)to earth is depicted is marvellous. Credit goes to Keeravani for the excellent music. Photography by Gopal Reddy is superb. A blown-up print of the film was shown on IMAX screen in Hyderabad - first ever telugu film to hit the IMAX screen.

I watched this movie with great expectations. Probably thats why I am not giving 10 out of 10. First and foremost the credit goes to the Hero, Nagarjuna. He really outperformed everyone. He acted with much ease (probably Annamayya would have given enough experience and comfort level) from the beginning to the end. Sneha suits the female lead character well. There isn't anything about the rest.Coming to the story line, Ramadasu is a great devotee of Lord Rama, and he forgotten his duties as a Tahasildar ( District officer) and used the taxes to construct Lord Rama's temple. He was tortured in for 12 years before Lord Rama himself came and pay the money to the King and released Ramadas from cell. This itself a great story and the director should have shown the life of Ramadas, and the way he became a great devotee, and how he forgot his responsibilities and used the money in great belief instead of opting for cheap comedy, and the regular masala stuff. This really irks me and thats one of the reason I don't want to give this movie an upper hand to Annamayya. Anyway its a great relief for regular viewer of Telugu pictures as he's been going to the theater to watch the same routing 16 years hero fall in love with 14 year gal or hero loves villain's sister/daughter etc stuff. There are some goofs which're real shocks. 1. When Ramadas was in jail, one can clearly see the "Tatto" on his right shoulder. I don't think so that the "Tatto" was "in" those days. 2. History says Ramadasu was in jail for 12 years. In the movie I think they'vent considered this part.