Konidela Production Company ad Super Good Films’ Godfather (dubbed from the Telugu film of the same name; UA) is an action and family drama. The chief minister of the state has died and there’s tension brewing between the two factions of MLAs. The chief minister’s son-in-law, Jaidev (Satyadev Kancharana), wants to be the next chief minister but for that he needs more MLAs to support him. Those MLAs owe allegiance to Brahma (Chiranjeevi). Jaidev and his Man Friday, Narayana Varma (Murali Sharma), try every trick in the book to get the MLAs to support Jaidev but when they fail, they ask Jaidev’s wife, Sathyapriya (Nayanthara), to stake claim to the party chief’s chair. They expect Brahma to object but are taken aback when the latter supports Sathyapriya. Still, there’s a battle raging for the chief minister’s post. Brahma will not allow Jaidev to be the chief minister and vice versa.
Why does Brahma support Sathyapriya but not Jaidev? What is the back story of Brahma and Sathyapriya? Who ultimately wins the battle for the top post in the state?
The film is a remake of Malayalam film Lucifer. Mohan Raja has written the screenplay based on the original story by Lakshmi Bhupala and Murali Gopy. The film has a fast-paced screenplay but it also often moves on the predictable path. The back story of Brahma and Sathyapriya is interesting. Also interesting is the family drama. However, the political drama is clichéd. The suspense about Brahma comes as a shock but the culmination is a pleasant surprise. Overall, the drama does not give the Hindi film-going audience a high. Dialogues are good.
Chiranjeevi is stylish and delivers a fine performance as Brahma. He plays to the gallery. If his acting has class, his stunts and action scenes have thrill. Salman Khan, as Masoom Bhai, adds tremendous star value in a brief special appearance. He exudes charm and impresses with his action, stunts and acting. Nayanthara is excellent as Sathyapriya. She adds a lot of dignity to her character. Satyadev Kancharana stands out in the role of Jaidev. Puri Jagannadh performs ably in the role of Govardhan. Murali Sharma makes his presence felt as Narayana Varma. Tanya Ravichandran has her moments as Sathyapriya’s younger sister, Janhavi. Sayaji Shinde is natural. Samuthirakani makes his presence felt as the ACP. Prabhu Devaa in a dance number, and Warina Hussain in another dance number are very good. Sunil, Brahmaji, Shafi, Murali Mohan, Sarvadaman D. Banerji, Anasuya, Divi Vadthya, Gangavu, Indrajith Sukumaran, Parth Siddhpura, Rehan Katrawale, Rajiv Kumar Aneja, master Yuvan
baby Ahana, Mark (as Lucas), Nawab Shah (as Abdul), Bharath Reddy (as Ram Kishore), Pawan Tej Konidela, Getup Srinu, Mirchi Priya, Pathan, Dheena, Gemini Suresh, Bunny Chandu, Dawood, Hari Krishnan, Rajan Hari, Naga Mahesh, Sai, Gandhi, Srinivas Rao, Chitti, Koteswara Rao, Dhill Ramesh, Meka Ramakrishna, and the others provide very good support.
Mohan Raja’s direction is good but he has not been able to offer the audience something fresh. S. Thaman’s music is fair. Song picturisations (by Prabhu Devaa, Sekhar VJ and Sandy) are eye-filling. Nirav Shah’s cinematography is extraordinary. Action and stunt scenes (Ram-Laxman and Stunt Silva) are thrilling but lack novelty. Suresh Selvarajan’s production designing and Kakileti’s (Bommidi) art direction are up to the mark. Editing (Marthand K. Venkatesh) is sharp. Dubbing is very good.
On the whole, Godfather is for single-screen cinemas mainly. Its business will be below average.
Released on 5-10-’22 at Inox (daily 3 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru PVR Pictures Ltd. Publicity: dull. Opening: so-so, thanks only to the Dassera holiday. …….Also released all over. Opening was good only at places.

By
KOMAL NAHTA