Mahankali (2013)

Banner:	Anjeri Arts
Cast:	Rajasekhar, Madhurima, Pradeep Rawat, Salim Panda, Ashish Vidyarthi and Supreet
Direction:	Jeevitha Rajashekar
Production:	Y Surendra Reddy & A Parandhama Reddy

An epitome of courage and wisdom, he is eventually caught between the ploys of wily politicos (Jeeva, who plays Home Minister, says that scheming politicos deserve to be called, well, 'donga...') and machinations of a Dubai-based don (Pradeep Rawat as Arshad bhai).

The BG score is so loud and the righteous rage of the hero and the impotent rage of the villains is so exaggerated in scene after scene that Mahankali comes across as a special homage to all the forgotten pedestrian police stories (churned out by Sandalwood) of the bygone era.

Even though Mahankali arrogantly declares on prime time television that he will spare none, even the CM and the PM, some characters (among them a political biggie) can't recognize him.  Worse still, even though he acts against the interests of the powers-that-be, nobody (including the YSR lookalike CM) dares touch him.  Why?  Because elections are nearing and Mahankali is so hugely popular that if he is transferred, the government may not return to power!

So beautiful are the two brains (screenplay by Dr. Rajsekhar) behind the film that they raise the bar for depicting rape on the screen (read the rape scene of one Srija).  After liberally using expletives, a lecherous villain, about to sexually assault Tanisha, welcomes her into his room by singing, 'Ravamma Mahalakshmi..'  One may like to pinch oneself in disbelief to know whether he is watching a film directed by a woman.

However great may be a public servant's stature, he is not higher than his department.  That is why we see all self-styled on-screen cops praise the khaki and not themselves.  Jeevitha being what she is, her hero says, "Idi uniform pogaru kadu ra, Mahankali power".

With only the loud and very loud BG score in your memory after you walk out, it is difficult to even talk about the rivalries, technical output of various departments and the actors, including the very young hero.