UU Kodathara...Ulikki Padathara (UKUP) Review

Manoj is one hero who travels in unbeaten path…He is now back with a super-natural thriller “UU Kodathaara-Ulikki padathaara”. Having Nandamuri Balakrishna playing a vital role in the film simply magnifies the movie to totally different level. Manchu Lakshmi produced this flick while debutant Shekhar Raja directed it.

Plot: Manoj comes to an old “Gandharva Mahal” where the soul of Narasimharayudu (Balakrishna) is residing. What is motto behind Manoj’s visit? What is the story behind the Gandharva Mahal and Narasimharayudu? “UU Kodathara-Ulikki padathara” takes us to the journey filled with untold love story, ever-lasting revenge, lust and greed.

Characters:

Balakrishna is no doubt USP of this flick. His stills in this movie already grabbed lot of attention. Truly Balayya looked very charming and royal throughout his presence. Playing a “Soul” is completely refreshing experience for him and his fans. Character is etched very well, balakrishna takes it to heights. Balayya infused life into the film in one word. Well all said, it still needs more power. It should have been fiercer than it was, it could have brought pace to the movie. Remember Rajnikanth's role in Pedarayudu..swift and powerful.

Manoj is usual self jumping all over …doing some naughty stuff all over with loads  of energy. He definitely thinks out of box. He shows his violent side in first bloodshed song…and his lust in (s)explosive second song. Those two songs are definitely not kid-friendly.

Sonu Sood is seen as powerful evil in the flashback. He does the role with such an ease as if he is a seasoned Telugu actor. Saikumar is not consistent, partial villain and partially dummy. Ajay is good as Tantric. Prabhu seems to have made Tollywood his home now. Dharmavarapu and team provide some comic relief in first half.

Manchu Lakshmi’s old get up is out of place. Expected more from her role, but it is given undue importance towards end for it being her own “MANCHU” film. Thank god, Deeksha Seth is slowly learning to talk.

UU kodadaamaa…

Manoj’s entry…his funny violent  flashback as told to Dharmavarapu’s team and “1,2,3,4,5” game is hilarious enough.  Flash back is divided into two parts, revealing a chunk before the interval, So that second half promises something more. Balakrishna simply steals the show during those 20 minutes. CG work for Balayya's entry in smoke..is very good.

And crux of the plot gets revealed later before the climax. It’s really good thing as it holds the audiences curiosity to know the facts behind the souls and Lakshmi Manchu.

Shekhar Raja’s story has some stuff in it and his direction is good at parts and he shows Balayya carefully. But the crisp and pace is missing.

Good things comprise lavish and colorful Gandarvamahal. Back ground score by Chinna is good. Two songs “Anuraagame haarathulayye” and “ Idi ani..adi ani” are good among Bobo Sasi’s compositions while other 3 crap songs dilute them. Cinematography by Rajasekhar and Art by Bupesh r bhupathi( for Gandharva Mahal) is appreciable. Surely should appreciate Manchu Lakshmi's production efforts.

Sare ippudu Ulikkipadadaam…

For Gandharva Mahal being constructed with around 6 crore, Mohan Babu might have asked the team to shoot entire film inside it, there is rarely an outdoor scene!! As we talked about two flashback episodes, the filling between these two episodes is utter slow, Have your mobiles charged to play some games. Look at family song that comes in between, tests our patience to the peaks. 2 songs should have been easily muted and audience should have given a fast-forward option for at least 30 minutes.

Finally…

Though “UU kodathara…ulikki padathara” could not deliver the complete thrill it promised in trailers, It definitely tries to be different. Balayya’s presence if more powerful should have been good…But he pulls the film to great extent. Had it been crispier with no much drag, Film would have scored more. But be aware, Film sure has some little chills and sufficient stuff that might entertain you…

Rating…

3 for its technical aspects and art work and positives