SYE RAA MOVIE REVIEW CLICK TO RATE THE MOVIE

War films provide the perfect platform for overemphasizing its hero, as the conceit organically gives birth to minor setbacks and valiant victories. Set in the period of colonial oppression, director Surendar Reddy's Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy could have utilized this theme more interestingly. The historical epic is produced by Ram Charan under the banner Konidela Production Company.

Based on a true historic event that happened in the colonial era, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy retells the rebellion led by feudal king Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy (Chiranjeevi) and his group of neighbouring counterparts against the lecherous ryotwari tax system of the British Empire. The film spends almost half its time in building a romantic subplot that involves Narasimha and Lakshmi (played by Tamannaah), a dancer who gets smitten by the former. This sequence particularly acts as a lag in the bigger picture as there isn't much excitement factor added to the core theme of the film.

One really wishes that the first half had introduced us to the conflict more sooner. Instead, we see a fewer details that are placed within a sea of flabbily written scenes. The screenplay takes a lot of time to set the rebellion in motion. Even we see the twists miles away due to their overbearing familiarity (there is still a disloyal associate). Even the imperial villains fail to estabilish their antagonism in a gripping way, as they are primarily shown as moustache twirling men (literally) who can barely come up with a decent obstacle.

As we wade through the less engaging first half, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy miraculously gains momentum once the film delves into the much needed battle cry. There is much more focus in the writing and the action set pieces are placed better. One of the film's most highlight moments is an action stretch that takes place in a guarded fort. We see the hero and his compatriots fall, only to witness their eventual rise. There is more tension and drama to the proceedings, and these emotional beats were sorely missing in the initial moments.

The second half sees Narasimha Reddy as a leader, forming his own army. During this course, we also get to see a lot of relevant characters, like Raja Paandi (Vijay Sethupathi makes a solid mark in his cameo), a rebel from the neighbouring territory. But, the whole second half feels hurried, and unfolds in such a rushed manner. But despite the issues and an underwhelming twist at the end, the second half ends up being a decent battlefield drama that makes up for the weaker first half.

Sye Raa.. boasts of some credible ensemble performances. Chiranjeevi as Narasimha Reddy exudes intensity during the scenes where he raises the war-bugle, while Kichcha Sudeep as Avukuraju conveys slyness through his mean presence. Nayanthara's performance as Siddhamma, Narasimha Reddy's wife, makes us root for the character and Amitabh Bachchan's portrayal of Narasimha's guru Gosayi Venkanna carries a Yoda-esque aura.

The vast expanse of the dry, dust covered terrains are evocatively captured through Rathnavelu's bronze-tinted frames, whilst combining with the moonlit nights and the warm interiors (Rajeevan's production design is top notch). But such exquisitely shot (and lit) sequences are affected by the choppy editing at many places (mainly during the first half). In conclusion, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy is a decent war film that realizes its potential only in the latter half.