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Jai Lava Kusa is a 2017 Telugu-language action-drama film directed by K.S. Ravindra (Bobby) and starring the popular actor Jr. NTR in three distinct roles. Released on September 21, 2017, the movie falls under the action and drama genres, with elements of family drama and emotional depth. With Jr. NTR playing a triple role, the film generated significant buzz even before its release, largely due to his immense fan following and the promise of a powerful performance.
The film tells the story of triplets who are separated at a young age and explores how their paths diverge as they grow older. This ambitious film uses the power of family relationships and intense action sequences to create a narrative that is emotionally gripping and thrilling. In this review, we will take a closer look at what makes Jai Lava Kusa stand out and whether it lives up to the expectations it set.
2. Plot Summary
Jai Lava Kusa follows the story of three brothers, Jai, Lava, and Kusa, who are born as triplets but separated at a young age due to a tragic event. As they grow up, the brothers follow different paths in life. Jai (played by Jr. NTR) becomes a ruthless and power-hungry villain, while Lava (also played by NTR) and Kusa (another character portrayed by NTR) lead different lives, one of them being an honest, emotional, and kind-hearted person.
The plot centers on Jai’s rise to power and his conflicts with his brothers. Lava and Kusa are unaware of Jai’s dark side initially, but as they come together, the bond of family, love, and redemption drives the film forward. The story unfolds with Jai’s complex character arc, revealing his internal struggles and the reasons behind his negative actions. The film explores themes of revenge, family loyalty, and sacrifice, making for a highly emotional and engaging watch.
Without diving into spoilers, Jai Lava Kusa delivers a mix of action, drama, and emotional moments, all while showcasing Jr. NTR’s acting versatility and intense screen presence.
3. What’s Good?
Acting
The highlight of Jai Lava Kusa is undoubtedly Jr. NTR’s exceptional performance. His ability to bring three distinct characters to life with ease is nothing short of impressive. Whether it is the menacing Jai, the pure-hearted Lava, or the charming and witty Kusa, NTR makes each role his own. His facial expressions, body language, and dialogue delivery give the characters depth and personality, making the audience connect with each of them in a unique way.
In particular, NTR’s portrayal of Jai stands out. The transformation from an innocent child to a vengeful, ruthless villain is gripping. The raw intensity he brings to Jai’s character is one of the film’s biggest strengths, and it is a role that truly highlights his versatility as an actor. His emotional scenes are heartfelt, and his action sequences are fierce and energetic.
Direction
K.S. Ravindra (Bobby) does a commendable job of balancing the action and emotional elements of the story. The film maintains a fast pace, ensuring that the narrative never drags, while still taking the time to build the emotional stakes of the characters. Ravindra’s direction helps bring the complex relationships between the brothers to the forefront, creating moments that resonate with the audience.
The emotional weight of the story is given ample space to breathe, making sure that the audience feels connected to the characters’ struggles and triumphs. At the same time, the action sequences are choreographed brilliantly, providing the film with a gripping edge. The direction is sharp, and it ensures that the movie never loses focus on its primary theme of family bonds.
Music and Cinematography
The music by composer Devi Sri Prasad adds another layer to the film’s intensity. The background score is well-composed and complements the emotional and action scenes. The songs, such as “Raakshasi” and “Ravana,” are catchy and fit perfectly within the context of the narrative. They help enhance the film’s mood and provide a break from the high-intensity moments.
The cinematography is visually striking, with well-framed shots that capture the essence of each character. The use of lighting and colors effectively emphasizes the mood of different sequences, especially in the contrasting worlds of Jai, Lava, and Kusa. The film’s production design also adds depth, creating a visual contrast between the characters’ lives and their personalities.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Jr. NTR’s Triple Role: The biggest strength of the film lies in NTR’s ability to convincingly portray three distinct characters. His performances in all three roles—Jai, Lava, and Kusa—are powerful, and he truly shines as an actor.
- Action Sequences: The action scenes are well-choreographed and energetic, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The high-octane sequences match the intensity of the narrative and contribute to the film’s excitement.
- Emotional Storyline: The emotional depth of the film, especially the relationship between the brothers, is a major highlight. The theme of family loyalty and redemption is executed well, and it resonates with viewers.
- Direction and Cinematography: The direction by K.S. Ravindra keeps the narrative engaging, and the cinematography visually captures the story’s emotional and action-packed elements.
Weaknesses
- Predictable Plot Twists: While the film is engaging, some of the plot twists and character arcs feel predictable. This may not come as a surprise to viewers who are familiar with similar films in the genre.
- Pacing Issues in the Second Half: The second half of the film could have been tightened up. Certain portions, especially the emotional scenes, slow the film’s momentum, which may cause some viewers to lose interest.
- Villainous Characters’ Depth: While Jai is an interesting character, some of the other villains in the film feel underdeveloped. Their motivations and backstories could have been fleshed out more to add depth to the story.
5. Target Audience
Jai Lava Kusa is perfect for action lovers who enjoy fast-paced sequences and intense drama. Fans of Jr. NTR will appreciate his stellar performance and ability to pull off a triple role. The film’s emotional and family-oriented storyline also makes it suitable for viewers who enjoy dramas about sibling relationships and redemption. While the action and suspense will appeal to a broad audience, the emotional depth of the film also makes it a good pick for those who enjoy heartfelt stories with a mix of high-energy action.
6. Box Office Details
Jai Lava Kusa was made on a budget of approximately ₹50 crore. The film was highly anticipated due to Jr. NTR’s triple role and the intriguing premise, which led to impressive box office collections during its opening weekend.
Worldwide Box Office Collection:
- Opening Day (India): ₹20 crore
- Day 2 (India): ₹22 crore
- Day 3 (India): ₹25 crore
- Day 4 (India): ₹17 crore
- Day 5 (India): ₹15 crore
In its first five days, Jai Lava Kusa grossed around ₹99 crore in India. The film performed exceptionally well in overseas markets as well, with a total of ₹30 crore from international earnings. This brought the total worldwide collection to approximately ₹129 crore in just five days, making it a commercial success.
7. Recommendation
Jai Lava Kusa is a thrilling, action-packed film that benefits from Jr. NTR’s exceptional performance in three distinct roles. While the movie may feel predictable at times, its emotional depth, engaging action, and powerful character arcs make it a solid watch. If you’re a fan of Jr. NTR or enjoy intense action dramas with strong emotional elements, Jai Lava Kusa is definitely worth watching.
Genres:
Action, Thriller
Rating:
6.4/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| N.T. Rama Rao Jr. | Jai / Raavan, Lava Kumar, Kusa |
| Nivetha Thomas | Simran |
| Raashii Khanna | Priya |
| Ronit Roy | Sarkar |
| Hamsa Nandini | V. A. Rajini |
| Priyadarshi Pullikonda | |
| Abhimanyu Singh | |
| Tamannaah Bhatia | Special Appearance in “Swing Zaara” Song |
| Nandita Raj | Sravani |
| Sai Kumar | Kaka |
| Nassar | |
| Posani Krishna Murali | |
| Pavitra Lokesh | |
| Pradeep Ram Singh Rawat | |
| Harish Uthaman | |
| Shiju | |
| Praveen | |
| Jayaprakash Reddy | |
| Brahmaji | |
| Prabhas Sreenu | |
| Chalapathi Rao | |
| Shatru | |
| Rakesh Varre | |
| Harsha Chemudu | |
| Satya | |
| Sharath Lohitashwa |
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