Jr NTR's "Ramayya Vastavayya" has received mixed reviews from critics who have termed it as a routine revenge drama with a thin storyline.
The film's plot revolves around Nandu (Jr NTR), a college student from Hyderabad. He falls in love with the beautiful Akarsha (Samantha), daughter of a minister (Mukeshi Rishi). Nandu tries to woo her and she reciprocates his love.
He accompanies Akarsha to her sister's marriage and later they realise that it was all part of a plan for Nandu to break into their house. What begins as a romantic entertainer turns into a revenge drama post interval.
The film entirely relies on Jr NTR's charisma and the actor has done justice to his role. He has a good comic timing and flaunts his energetic dance moves. Samantha and Shruti have less scope to perform. The other cast members including Rao Ramesh, Ravishankar and Tanikella Bharani have played their parts well.
"Ramayya Vastavayya", directed by Harish Shankar, was one of the most-awaited Telugu films of 2013. The film hit the screens on 11 October to cash in on the Dussehra holidays. The action-packed entertainer is expected to get a good opening weekend, thanks to NTR's star power. But mixed feedback might affect its collections in the first week.
Here is review roundup of "Ramayya Vastavayya":
Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu says, "Until a few minutes before the interval, you're left looking beneath the surface of the comedy, songs and romance to see what the film is trying to communicate to you. And post interval, when the film takes you into a rural hamlet and recalls an ill-fated past followed by revenge, there's way too much bloodshed that leaves you numb."
Sashidhar AS of The Times of India says, "The second half could be a huge let down as the film has a few illogical twists. The heavy dose of violence coupled with dragging scenes fails to engage the audience. The second half lot of resemblances to NTR's earlier films Dammu, etc. and you get a deja vu feeling."
JP of Telugu Cinema says, "The film lacks emotional punch required for a revenge drama. That is why, when the protagonist in the climax lifts up plough (yes, plough) to take vengeance, we would hardly move. Such trite sequences are aplenty. Climax is total letdown.
"The only saving grace of the movie is NTR. There are certain moments in the first half between Samantha, her grandmother Rohini Hattangidi and NTR that are hilarious."
According to Indiaglitz, "A paper-thin storyline is the least of Ramayya's imperfections. Too much violence in the second half rips it of entertainment value."
Verdict: Watch it only if you are an ardent fan of Jr NTR.
