Director: Sarath Mandava
Cast: Ravi Teja, Divyansha Kaushik, Rajisha Vijayan, Venu Thottempudi
Genre: Action Drama
Ravi Teja’s Ramarao on Duty is an action-packed entertainer that dives deep into the murky waters of corruption, power, and justice. Here’s a detailed review of the movie, analyzing its strengths and shortcomings.
Plot Overview
Set in the 1990s, the film follows B. Ramarao (Ravi Teja), a determined Deputy Collector who takes on corruption and injustice in his jurisdiction. Ramarao’s righteous stance pits him against a powerful and corrupt mafia engaged in smuggling red sandalwood, affecting local villagers.
While trying to solve the mystery of people’s disappearances linked to the smuggling racket, Ramarao uncovers larger conspiracies and clashes with adversaries who are as ruthless as they are powerful.
Through this journey, the narrative attempts to blend high-octane action with emotional drama and explores themes of social responsibility.
Performances
Ravi Teja as Ramarao
Ravi Teja delivers a charismatic performance, embodying the role of a dutiful and fearless officer. His portrayal of Ramarao effectively conveys determination and empathy, with his signature high-energy style elevating the action scenes.
Divyansha Kaushik and Rajisha Vijayan
Both actresses bring emotional depth to the story, but their roles remain underdeveloped. Divyansha portrays Ramarao’s wife with grace, while Rajisha’s character serves as an emotional catalyst. However, their limited screen time diminishes the impact of their performances.
Venu Thottempudi as CI Jammi Murali
Venu’s return to the silver screen is commendable, delivering a subtle yet impactful performance as a quirky and supportive police officer.
Direction and Writing
Sarath Mandava aims to create a socially conscious action drama, blending investigative elements with emotional undertones. While the intentions are clear, the execution struggles to maintain balance. The script oscillates between gripping moments and predictable cliches, diluting the movie’s impact.
The pacing, especially in the first half, feels slow, but it picks up post-interval, leading to a more engaging second half.
Technical Aspects
Action and Stunts
The film’s action sequences are stylish and well-choreographed, serving as a visual treat for fans of the genre. Ravi Teja’s energetic presence ensures the fight scenes remain compelling.
Cinematography
The 1990s setting is captured beautifully by Sathyan Sooryan. The rustic visuals and authentic portrayal of rural India enhance the narrative’s immersion.
Music and Background Score
Sam C. S.’s background score adds intensity to the movie, while the songs by several composers are hit-and-miss. The songs feel like interruptions rather than narrative enhancers.
Editing
The editing could have been tighter, especially in the initial portions, where certain scenes tend to drag. A more cohesive flow would have elevated the storytelling.
Highlights
- Ravi Teja’s Performance: As always, Ravi Teja delivers a stellar performance, keeping audiences hooked.
- Action Sequences: The well-executed stunts and set pieces are a major draw for action lovers.
- Social Commentary: The movie sheds light on critical issues like corruption, making it more than just an action flick.
Drawbacks
- Predictable Storyline: Despite some twists, the overall narrative feels familiar and lacks novelty.
- Underutilized Supporting Cast: Talented actors like Rajisha Vijayan and Venu Thottempudi are not given enough scope to shine.
- Inconsistent Pacing: The slow first half hampers the movie’s flow, making it less gripping initially.
Themes and Message
At its core, Ramarao on Duty is a tale of resilience and justice, emphasizing the importance of honesty in positions of power. The film critiques corruption while celebrating those who dare to stand against it, embodying the ethos of social responsibility.
Audience Verdict
Fans of Ravi Teja and action-packed narratives will find Ramarao on Duty an engaging watch, despite its flaws. For viewers seeking originality or deeper character explorations, the film may fall short.
Final Verdict
Ramarao on Duty delivers a mix of action and social drama, driven by Ravi Teja’s magnetic performance. While it struggles with pacing and narrative predictability, its compelling second half and high-octane moments redeem it to an extent. It’s a movie that caters to mass action enthusiasts while attempting to make a social statement.
Rating: 3/5
Did Ramarao on Duty meet your expectations? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
