There is a fixation among Telugu filmmakers with faction fights and larger-than-life dons. Numerous movies have been made on the subject.Numerous others would doubtless be made again. Some will work. Some may not.
Mahanandi, on the same lines, works ---at least partially. And that is because the main cast has come with some really inspired stuff.
The story has nothing novel. But the inner dynamics make it work. It revolves around Swamy (Sri Hari) who has the mortification of having his parents murdered by a faction led by Bhaskar in Rayalseema. Swamy takes out an important man in Bhaskars gang. Bhaskar, who controls things from inside a prison cell, is thirsting for revenge.
Swamy brings up an orphan Shankar (Sumanth), and the latter acts as the trusted guard of Swamy. Then there is Nandini (Anushka), Swamys doting sister. The plot thickens when she falls in love with Shankar.But she doesnt say it openly. There is plenty of convoluted happenings and there ensues a misunderstanding between Shankar and Swamy. In the meanwhile, Bhaskars gang tries to make the best out of Shankar-Swamys misunderstanding. What happens eventually? Do Shankar and Swamy go for the kill or they end up patching up?
As we said, the story is not new. But the performances see the film through. Sri Hari walks away with the top honors as the avuncular don. He is at ease in a role that has raw passion and cool compassion. Sumanth is equally felicitous. He shows the right emotions at the right places. He shows that he is ready for bigger things in the industry. Anushka looks comely ---and that is what she seems to be in for.
Vasus camera work is adequate, and he is really good in stunt sequences. Kanal Kannan sure deserves applause for some really gritty action sequence. Kamalkars songs have a good lilt and pass muster.
Samudras direction is good. But obviously could have been better. The script has been stitched and the seams look frayed. But on the whole Mahanandi may survive because of action and the actors.