Dalari Movie Review

'Dalari' stars a range of actors, both ultra-serious ones like Rajeev Kanakala, aspiring star hero Shakalaka Shankar and comedians like Auto Ramprasad. It is directed by Kachidi Gopal Reddy. Let's find out what are its hits and misses.

Plot:

Abhi (Shakalaka Shankar) is desperately loved by his fellow Engineering student Swathi (Aqsa Khan). On the other hand, he is in love with his long-time friend Shruti (Rupika), who is involved in a college project. 

In parallel, we see a track involving a strongman named Venkat Reddy (Rajeev Kanakala). He is a Dalari who is a rule unto himself. He leads a political party that is into populism and social change agenda. All hell breaks loose when CI Vikram (Sritej) declares himself as the biggest enemy of Venkat. Abhi, who is now out of college, has his task cut out.

How are Abhi and Venkat related? What is Vikram's real motive? What is his past about? Find out by watching the movie on the big screen.

Performances:

Both Rajeev Kanakala and Shakalaka Shankar make us root for their respective characters. The last 30 minutes is where their acting range comes to the fore.

As heroines, Aqsa Khan and Rupika get meaty roles. They first seem to be run-of-the-mill college girls. But they prove to be women with a steely resolve. Sritej is one of the choosiest characters. He gets to play a tough and determined character with so much swag.

The film also features Get-up Srinu (as a dumb college student), Racha Ravi (as a student who falls for an NRI lecturer), Auto Ramprasad, Laxman Meesala (as a rowdy sort of character) and others.

Thumbs-Up:

1. Suspense in the second half.
2. The one twist that comes before the pre-climax.
3. The dialogues about the Dalari 'vyavastha' hit the nail on the head.
4. The realities of a collusive system involving politicians and businessmen.
5. The final 25 minutes.   

Thumbs Down:

1. Some portions are dull.
2. The production values could have been better. 

Verdict:

'Dalari' is one of the earliest attempts at understanding the inevitability of a system that has been manipulated by powerful, evil men. Watch it to know how those inside it face existential challenges.