Cast: Chiranjeevi, Nayanthara, Amitabh Bachchan, Tamannaah Bhatia, Vijay Sethupathi, Sudeep and Jagapathi Babu

Director: Surender Reddy

Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy begins with a disclaimer that the film is not intended to hurt the sentiments of any particular person, community, caste or religion. When you see a disclaimer read out by the producer of the film Ram Charan, then it is obvious that the makers have taken utmost care in retelling the story of Telugu freedom fighter Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy. 

The film opens in 1857 when soldiers of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi (Anushka Shetty), down on luck and outnumbered by the British army, are contemplating surrendering the next morning. To awaken their hidden strength and make them fight with valour, she starts narrating the story of Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy (Chiranjeevi) and how he fought against the British fearlessly and struck fear in their hearts, paving way for the first war for independent India.

As a young boy, Narasimha Reddy is told by his guru Gosaayi Venkanna (Amitabh Bachchan) that if he wants to defeat the British, then his mind should become his weapon. He’s told that when it comes to war, winning is more important than living or dying. As years pass by, we see Narasimha Reddy transform into a warrior. We’re told that he can meditate underwater and quite early on we see him driving away from a pack of bulls running amok and stop them from falling off a cliff. It’s a story that has the right amount of machismo and patriotism that’s effectively complemented by Chiranjeevi’s age-defying, unmatchable screen presence.

Also Read: War Movie Review: Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff starrer movie is an enjoyable popcorn action entertainer.

The film doesn’t disappoint in terms of scale and living up to the hype. At the same time, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy is no Baahubali, but it’s still a film that accomplishes a lot more than anyone could imagine, and a lot of credit for that must go to Chiranjeevi, who is fantastic in the titular character. The film relies heavily on a big war sequence in the second half but unfortunately, it lacks finesse and ends up as a stretch that could’ve been so much better. Amidst all this, when the focus remains on Chiranjeevi and his heroism, you’re amazed by the sheer energy he brings to the character at his age. 

On the action front, the film’s tone is inconsistent and that’s maybe because of the fact that multiple action choreographers worked on the project and their styles clashed. A pre-interval action sequence stands out and easily works as one of the best scenes of the film. Nevertheless, the film scores high on emotions and drama which get even more elevated by the performances, especially of Chiranjeevi, who makes you root for his character in every frame.

Some of the dialogues in Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy do what they are supposed to do. They invoke patriotism and question the wrongdoings in the society. Chiranjeevi’s character is taught to light the Karthikai Deepam and it’s a nice metaphor that the makers have incorporated. In other words, he’s the light of lives. 

The major flaw of Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy is that it’s too formulaic. You can almost guess what’s going to happen and with a runtime of 2 hours and 47 minutes, the film is a tad bit long. The cameo by Anushka Shetty seems forced. It is as though she has been thrown into the movie only to sing praises of Narasimha Reddy.

Tamannaah’s role as Lakshmi has a nice twist and it is easily one of the most intriguing characters in the Sye Raa universe. Nayanthara plays Sidhamma (Narasimha’s wife) and has a rather one-dimensional role as a dutiful wife and a mother. It is the performances of Sudeep and Vijay Sethupathi that add a different color to the film. 

Even though the stunt sequences seem superficial, they are good to watch on the big screen. Cinematographer Rathnavelu’s work is exceptional. The use of colors, lens flare and framing elevates the film. 

Composer Amit Trivedi’s music, especially the introduction song, is pictured well. Also, brownie points to Julius Packiam’s background score, which adds a nice flavor to the intensity of the film.

This film will definitely evoke patriotism among the audience and will make you feel guilty for not knowing about this unsung hero who has been forgotten and completely ignored.