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Neninthe is a 2008 Telugu-language film directed by Puri Jagannadh, who is known for his hard-hitting narratives that explore the gritty side of life. A drama about the struggles within the film industry, Neninthe brings to the forefront the challenges faced by the common man in the world of cinema. The movie stars Ravi Teja in the lead role, supported by a strong cast that includes Siya Gautham and others. It falls into the genre of drama and thriller, with elements of action woven into the narrative.
The film, while offering an inside look into the world of filmmaking, presents a raw portrayal of how dreams and ambitions come with their own set of challenges. With its compelling storyline and intense performances, Neninthe stands out as a film that brings attention to the often overlooked side of the industry. Despite its flaws, it remains a solid piece of storytelling that resonates with anyone who has struggled to achieve their dreams.
Plot Summary
The story of Neninthe revolves around a young man, a film industry technician named Krishna (Ravi Teja), who dreams of becoming a director. He works as a light boy, helping set up the lighting on film sets, but his passion for cinema is what drives him. The film follows Krishna’s journey as he faces various struggles to achieve his dream. He works hard, sacrifices a lot, and experiences the darker side of the film industry, where compromises and moral dilemmas often blur the lines of right and wrong.
Krishna’s life is complicated further when he enters a relationship with a young woman, and his personal and professional life begins to intersect. Throughout the movie, the audience watches Krishna fight to maintain his integrity while navigating the treacherous and cutthroat world of filmmaking. Neninthe explores themes of ambition, perseverance, betrayal, and the price one pays for success in the world of cinema.
What’s Good?
Acting:
The film’s biggest strength lies in its lead actor, Ravi Teja, whose portrayal of Krishna is nothing short of powerful. Teja perfectly captures the essence of a man driven by ambition, yet struggling with the harsh realities of his profession. His emotional depth and screen presence carry the film, and his performance feels incredibly genuine. The supporting cast, including Siya Gautham as the love interest, does justice to their respective roles. However, it is Ravi Teja who truly shines, bringing a sense of vulnerability to the character.
Direction and Storytelling:
Puri Jagannadh, known for his unique style of storytelling, brings his signature realism and edginess to Neninthe. The direction is intense and impactful, with a screenplay that keeps the audience engaged. Puri’s portrayal of the film industry’s struggles is unflinching, showing both the glamour and the darker side of the industry. He successfully combines elements of drama and thriller, making the movie an emotional rollercoaster. The narrative is fast-paced, keeping the viewer hooked through its twists and turns.
Music:
The film’s music, composed by Chakri, is another noteworthy aspect. The songs like “Neninthe” and “Kundakka Mandakka” blend well with the film’s tone. The music manages to evoke the right emotions, complementing the struggles and triumphs of Krishna’s journey. The background score further adds to the intensity of the film, especially during the more emotional or action-packed scenes.
Cinematography:
Cinematography by Shyam K. Naidu is another strong suit of Neninthe. The visuals of the film reflect the grit and determination of the lead character, with camera angles that enhance the rawness of the narrative. The gritty, urban look of the film is perfectly suited to the world of cinema that it portrays, adding a sense of realism to the story. The lighting, in particular, stands out in a film about the film industry, capturing both the glamour and the shadowy side of it.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of the film industry’s struggles. It paints a very real picture of what many in the industry go through to make a name for themselves. Ravi Teja’s performance is a major highlight, and his character’s evolution from a hopeful dreamer to someone caught in the ugly truths of the industry is portrayed with emotional depth. The direction by Puri Jagannadh, with its realistic approach, makes Neninthe stand out in the sea of typical commercial films. The music and cinematography add to the rawness of the movie, making it a memorable cinematic experience.
Weaknesses:
However, the film is not without its flaws. While the plot is strong, some parts of the story feel stretched, and there are moments where the pacing falters. The narrative occasionally slips into melodrama, which can feel out of place in an otherwise gritty film. The screenplay also suffers from some clichés, and certain subplots could have been better developed. While the film does a good job of showcasing the struggles of a person trying to make it in the film industry, it sometimes sacrifices realism in favor of dramatic effect, making certain scenes feel exaggerated or unrealistic.
Another drawback of Neninthe is the predictable nature of some of the twists. Although the film tackles themes of moral compromise and ambition, some of the conflicts and resolutions seem a little forced, as if the narrative is trying too hard to make a point. This detracts from the film’s overall impact and may leave viewers feeling disconnected from the character’s journey.
Target Audience
Neninthe will appeal primarily to fans of drama and films that delve into the behind-the-scenes workings of the film industry. Those who enjoy stories about ambition, struggle, and personal sacrifice will find Neninthe engaging. It is also a good pick for those who appreciate raw, realistic portrayals of characters’ challenges. However, the intense nature of the film and the darker themes it explores may not be suitable for younger audiences. Fans of Ravi Teja, especially, will enjoy his intense performance, while those who enjoy thrillers and dramatic narratives about the film industry will find much to appreciate here.
Box Office Details
Total Budget:
Neninthe had a budget of approximately ₹15 crore, which is a moderate budget for a Telugu film. Given its realistic and gritty narrative, the film was made with a relatively lower financial investment compared to large-scale commercial films.
Worldwide Box Office Collection:
The movie grossed around ₹25 crore worldwide, a solid return on investment. It managed to perform well at the box office, primarily due to its strong performances, Puri Jagannadh’s direction, and its relevant portrayal of the struggles within the film industry.
Day-wise Earnings:
- Day 1 (India): ₹3.5 crore
- Day 1 (Overseas): ₹0.5 crore
- Day 2 (India): ₹4 crore
- Day 2 (Overseas): ₹0.6 crore
- Day 3 (India): ₹3 crore
- Day 3 (Overseas): ₹0.4 crore
- Day 4 (India): ₹2.5 crore
- Day 4 (Overseas): ₹0.3 crore
- Day 5 (India): ₹2 crore
- Day 5 (Overseas): ₹0.2 crore
Despite some mixed reviews, Neninthe did well in terms of earnings due to its unique storyline and Ravi Teja’s star power. It found a loyal audience that appreciated the film’s gritty narrative and emotional depth.
Recommendation
In conclusion, Neninthe is an ambitious film that explores the darker side of the film industry with a raw and realistic approach. While it is not without its flaws, such as occasional melodrama and predictable twists, the film’s strengths, including Ravi Teja’s compelling performance, Puri Jagannadh’s direction, and its powerful themes, make it worth watching. If you enjoy stories about ambition, struggle, and personal sacrifice in the film industry, Neninthe will resonate with you. Highly recommended for drama lovers, Ravi Teja fans, and those who enjoy realistic thrillers.
Genres:
Action, Drama
Rating:
6.4/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Ravi Teja | Ravikumar |
| Siya Gautham | Sandhya |
| Subbaraju | Mallik |
| Sayaji Shinde | Shankar |
| Supreet | Yadhu |
| Brahmanandam | Idli Subramanyam |
| Rama Prabha | Rajyam |
| Satyam Rajesh | Rajesh |
| Venu Madhav | Senthil Sathibabu |
| Uttej | Bhaskar |
| Kovai Sarala | Urmila |
| Mumaith Khan | Mumaith |
| Krishna Bhagavan | Ram Babu |
| Abhinaya | Aditri |
| Sai Ram Shankar | Sai |
| Anand Ramaraju | A Goon |
| Raja Ravindra | Ravi’s Friend |
| Harish Shankar | Himself |
| V. V. Vinayak | Himself |
| Kona Venkat | Himself |
| Chakri | Himself |
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