Bheeshma review: A decent family entertainer with a few laughs
By Kiran KS Published on 21 Feb 2020 12:38 PM GMTDuration: 150 mins
Director: Venky Kudumula
Cast: Nithiin, Rashmika Mandanna, Anant Nag, Jisshu Sengupta, Samapth Raj, Vennela Kishore, Brahmaji, Naresh and others
Music: Swara Sagar Mahathi
Rating: 2.75
Recently, a popular meme has been doing the rounds that if filmmakers run out of ideas, they make farming issues the plot of their films. Well, this seems to be true in the case of Venky Kudumulaās āBheeshmaā. The filmās central idea is organic farming but it does little justice to it. However, what works for the film is the engaging screenplay. The director cleverly weaves comedy into a wafer-thin story and executes it well.
The film is about Bheeshma (Nithiin), a frustrated singleton and a graduate dropout, whose repeated attempts to woo a girl always fall flat. However, cupid strikes when he meets Chaitra (Rashmika). In a strange turnaround of events, he is noticed by Bheeshma (Ananth Nag) the founder of an organic farming company. The rest of the story depicts his association with him and how Bheeshma wins Chaitraās heart.
At the outset, the story looks inane but the quirky humour makes it a good watch. Watch out for the humorous WhatsApp conversation between Bheeshma and Deva (Sampath Raj). However, a few body-shaming jokes may not go down well with the audience. The film follows the typical template of a commercial pot-boiler with songs, dances, and randomly-placed fight sequences.
As for the performances, Nithiin does well as a carefree youngster who eventually takes up his responsibilities. Rashmika, after a rather forgettable role in āSarileru Neekevvaruā, makes a good impression. It's refreshing to see a female lead who is independent and doesnāt merely play the heroās love interest. Although the love story itself doesnāt make much of an impact, she shares good on-screen chemistry with Nithiin.
Ananth Nag puts on a nuanced performance. However, the film mainly works because of Vennela Kishore and Raghu Babuās comic timing. The duo, along with Nithiin, makes even some ordinary scenes look interesting. Raghavan (Jisshu Sengupta) as the antagonist begins well but is let down by lackluster writing towards the climax. Sampath, Naresh, and Brahmaji do well in their respective roles.
Although Mahati Swara Sagarās background music is good, the songs could have been better. āSingles Anthemā stands out among the other songs, while the energetic dance number āWhattey Beautyā which reminds you of songs like āRowdy Babyā and āButta Bommaā is well choreographed.
The film has itās dull moments with itās writing and predictable moments. Venky Kudumula, who made his mark with his first film āChaloā, sticks to his strengths once again. Although he makes a point or two about soil, land, and staying connected to nature, it doesnāt really strike an emotional chord among the audience.
If you are one of those, who wants to grab some popcorn, have some laughs over the weekend and donāt mind some absurd logic thrown at you, āBheeshmaā will not disappoint.