Korean Kanakaraju Review – Merlapaka Gandhi’s latest film with Varun Tej, Satya and Ritika Natak in the lead embraces its madness with confidence, resulting in an entertaining commercial ride that surprises more often than it disappoints
Korean Kanakaraju – the name, when it was announced, indicated a mad film. When the posters and trailers were released, it felt like there were only two ways this film could go – it would either be an insane story that would work or a crazy film that could go south.
As it turns out, the Varun Tej, Satya and Ritika Nayak starrer, directed by Merlapaka Gandhi, is a mad film, no doubt, but in a good way.
To begin with, the film starts off with a song and a fight, indicative of a mass action film, going the full curve with an encounter with the heroine, falling in love the usual way, followed by a song and dance, with bad politician Sunil projected as the typical village strongman, loan shark and villain. But soon, we learn there’s more to the story.
Kanakaraju, the angry young Rayalaseema man, gets extremely violent when he provoked. He has no control over his anger, but as he says, he only gets angry and fights when he sees injustice. On the other end of the world, in Seoul, Korea, is a mafia don – Four Fingers, who gets violent too, but his intentions may not be so noble. The film Korean Kanakaraju is about how their lives connect and what happens from there on, but not before you watch him go about his life in his village. He lives with his mother and father (Chinna and Thulasi, who don’t have much else to do) and loves his brother, who is in Singapore to do busines (Avasarala Srinivas). His best friend, Kishtappa (Satya), is a photographer and his saviour whenever he gets into trouble.
Heroine Ritika, as Chaitra, is a perfect example of today’s K-drama and Korean-obsessed youngsters. Kanakaraju falls on love with her while she dreams of marrying a Korean boy. The premise sets the perfect tone for an engaging first half with a healthy bunch of humour thrown in while the second half is when the actual story unfolds.
The film’s strength is in keeping the story line intact and comedy track going even while progressing into a supernatural thriller. From boy who is fighting with the wrong guys, to being this love lorn romantic, simple, good natured, but hot headed and strong man, who ends up fighting ungodly forces within him, Varun Tej shines through it all.
This is by far one of his best performances, especially in action scenes and comedy timing. With the super talented Satya shouldering most of the comedy track, and the rest of the actors contributing their bit, Korean Kanakaraju comes across as a great entertainer for the most part.
Merlapaka, known for his amazing writing skills, lives up to his reputation as he negotiates drama, action and supernatural elements to near perfection.
A few unnecessary characters and clitches could have been avoided. While Thaman’s background score is spot on, his songs could have been better.
If you can excuse the director for the somewhat lazy writing in the climax, Korean Kanakaraju remains a thoroughly enjoyable entertainer that delivers exactly what it promises. It is mad, funny, action-packed and refreshingly different in its treatment, making it a good pick for anyone looking for an entertaining theatrical watch this week.
Korean Kanakaraju Review
Rating – 3.0 / 5.0
