Sai Dharam Tej's "Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham" ("PNLJ") has received good reviews from the critics.
Directed by AS Ravi Kumar Chowdary, "PNLJ" is Sai Dharam's second film but has become his debut project as his first film "Rey" is yet to hit the screens. Regina Cassandra plays the female lead opposite Chiranjeevi's nephew, while Prakash Raj, Jagapathi Babu and Sayaji Shinde are also part of the film's cast.
Anoop Rubens has composed the songs, while Geetha Arts banner has produced the romantic entertainer.
Plot: Seenu (Sai Dharam Tej), a fun-loving guy, falls in love with Shailu (Regina) but she rejects his proposals. Seenu comes to know that Shailu is in danger from politician Prabhakar Rao (Prakash Raj) and gangster Maisamma (Jagapathi Babu). How he saves her forms the crux of the story.
Critics have stated that the film is a regular commercial entertainer with a racy narration. Sai Dharam has won accolades for his acting, dance skills and action sequences. Regina, Prakash Raj and other actors have done their parts well, according to the critics.
The first half of the film is average, but the second half is engaging. Love tracks between Sai Dharam and Regina and the music are some of the minus points of the film.
Check below the review roundup of "PNLJ"
"With Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitaham, Tollwood gets yet another promising hero in the form of Sai Dharam Tej. Even though he looks a bit rustic, Teju is quite convincing in his role. Lack of clarity in Regina's character and chemistry between the lead pair are some basic let downs. But a racy narration, hilarious comedy and beautiful songs cover this up and make this film a decent youthful entertainer," according to 123telugu.
"It is an entertainer which has comedy & 2nd half working in its favour. The 1st half of the film is largely average with a few good moments then and there. After decent interval conflict the film moves in a faster pace and manages to entertain the audience although ends in a sudden but entertaining climax. On the whole it is a decent one time watch flick," according to OM of Andhraboxoffice.
Performances: "It is hard to believe whether Sai is acting in first movie or fourth, fifth movie. This guy has tremendous ease and can be unanimously declared as best debut among new heroes of present generation," said Srivaas of Cinejosh.
"Regina looked gorgeous as usual. Her characterization lacked in clarity and depth which resulted in a paltry romantic track. Whatsoever, Regina proved her presence. Jagapathi Babu is the only best fit as Maisamma. His support to Sai and Regina meant a lot for the film. Raghu Babu as side kick to JB, Satya Krishnan as Raghu Babu's wife and Jayaprakash Reddy-Duvvasi Mohan were thoroughly hilarious. Prabhas Seenu and batch has also done their best. Sayaji Shinde, Prakash Raj, Shafi and Surekha are in for a regular show," stated Srivaas.
Technical Aspects: "Songs composed by Anup Rubens have already been popular. The way Sai Dharam Tej sets the dance floor on fire is a treat to watch. Fights have been composed well. Cinematography is topnotch. Art Direction is decent. Dialogues were pretty good. Production Values are grand," according to AP Today.
Verdict: Promising debut for Sai Dharam Tej
