Nene Raju Nene Mantri, a gripping Telugu political drama, hit the silver screens on August 11, 2017. Directed by Teja, the movie features Rana Daggubati in a powerful lead role, with Kajal Aggarwal, Catherine Tresa, and Navdeep playing significant characters. The film explores themes of power, ambition, and morality, weaving a tale that keeps viewers invested from start to finish.
The movie’s intense storyline, supported by strong performances and emotional depth, sets it apart in the genre. This review will delve into its plot, highlights, and box office performance while giving a balanced opinion about its strengths and weaknesses.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
The story follows Jogendra (Rana Daggubati), a simple moneylender turned ruthless politician, who begins his journey fueled by love for his wife Radha (Kajal Aggarwal). When Radha’s life is endangered due to political corruption, Jogendra’s determination to protect her leads him down a dark path of power and revenge.
As he climbs the political ladder, Jogendra’s ambitions begin to blur the lines between right and wrong. The film portrays his transformation from a loving husband to a power-hungry leader, while showcasing the personal and moral costs of his actions. With unpredictable twists and emotionally charged moments, Nene Raju Nene Mantri is a thought-provoking tale about love, betrayal, and power.
What’s Good?
Rana Daggubati’s Performance: Rana delivers a career-defining performance as Jogendra. His charisma, combined with his ability to portray a wide range of emotions, makes the character memorable. From his intense dialogues to his commanding screen presence, Rana’s performance drives the movie.
Kajal Aggarwal’s Role: Kajal’s portrayal of Radha adds emotional depth to the film. Her chemistry with Rana brings authenticity to their relationship, making the audience empathize with her character’s struggles.
Direction and Screenplay: Teja’s storytelling is both engaging and impactful. The narrative balances political intrigue with emotional drama, keeping the audience hooked. The well-written dialogues and layered characters enhance the film’s appeal.
Cinematography: The visuals, captured by cinematographer Venkat C. Dileep, are striking. From vibrant rural settings to the gritty world of politics, the cinematography complements the film’s tone and elevates the viewing experience.
Music and Background Score: Anup Rubens’ music is another highlight. The songs blend seamlessly with the narrative, and the background score amplifies the intensity of key scenes, leaving a lasting impression.
Supporting Cast: The performances of Catherine Tresa, Navdeep, and Ashutosh Rana deserve special mention. Each actor brings depth to their respective roles, adding layers to the story.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Engaging Storyline: The combination of political drama and emotional depth keeps the narrative gripping.
- Powerful Performances: Rana’s and Kajal’s standout performances are complemented by a strong supporting cast.
- Cinematic Excellence: High production values, compelling cinematography, and an evocative soundtrack elevate the film.
Weaknesses:
- Pacing Issues: Certain portions of the film feel stretched, particularly in the second half, which might test the patience of some viewers.
- Predictable Elements: Despite its twists, a few plot points follow familiar tropes, making parts of the story predictable.
- Overdramatic Moments: At times, the melodrama overshadows the subtlety, which may not appeal to all audiences.
Target Audience
Nene Raju Nene Mantri caters to audiences who enjoy political dramas with strong emotional undercurrents. Fans of intense performances, especially those of Rana Daggubati and Kajal Aggarwal, will find the movie rewarding. The film also appeals to viewers who appreciate narratives exploring themes of power and morality. However, it might not resonate with those looking for lighthearted entertainment or action-packed sequences.
Box Office Details
The movie was made on a budget of approximately INR 20 crores and turned out to be a commercial success. Here’s a breakdown of its box office performance:
- Worldwide Gross Collection: INR 65 crores
- Day 1 (India): INR 7.8 crores
- Day 1 (Overseas): INR 2.5 crores
- Day 2 (India): INR 6.5 crores
- Day 3 (India): INR 6.2 crores
- Day 4 (India): INR 4.8 crores
- Day 5 (India): INR 4.2 crores
The film’s strong opening weekend was fueled by positive word-of-mouth and Rana Daggubati’s popularity post his performance in Baahubali. Its success was also aided by the intriguing promotional campaign and the compelling theme of the story.
Recommendation
Nene Raju Nene Mantri is a powerful drama that skillfully blends politics with personal emotions. While it has its flaws, the strong performances and engaging narrative make it a worthwhile watch. If you’re a fan of intense dramas with layered characters, this movie is definitely worth your time.
Genres:
Action, Romance, Thriller
Rating:
6.7/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Rana Daggubati | Jogendra |
| Kajal Agarwal | Radha Jogendra |
| Catherine Tresa | Devika Rani |
| Navdeep | Shiva |
| Ashutosh Rana | Subbarayudu |
| Ravi Joshi | Tirupathi |
| Jayaprakash Reddy | the jailor |
| Posani Krishna Murali | Muniappa |
| Pradeep Ram Singh Rawat | Sarpanch |
| Tanikella Bharani | Chief Minister |
| Shivaji Raja | Radha’s Father |
| Ajay | CI/SP |
| Raghu Karumanchi | Chandramouli |
| Prabhas Sreenu | Subbarayudu’s PA |
| Bitthiri Satthi | News Reporter |
| Satya Prakash | MLA Choudappa |
| Bindu Chandramouli | Sarpanch’s Wife |
| Venkateswara Rao Paruchuri | Jail Lawyer |
| Naveen Neni | Ravi |
| Priyanka Nalkari | Sushmitha |
| Annapoorna |
How is Our Review?
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
