When Drishyam was made in Malayalam last year, it garnered rave reviews. And when news about it being remade in Telugu broke, there was the expected hype and anticipation to see if it would live up to the benchmark set by the Malayalam version. What works in favour of the film is that it is unlike any other Telugu film that has a macho hero with a glam doll in tow, a couple of song-dance sequences and a lot of muscles being flexed. Drishyam is a simple story of a happy family and how they stand together when an unforeseen trouble threatens to wipe out everything.
Ram Babu (Venkatesh) is an honest cable operator in small town Rajavaram. He’s also a movie buff, and spends much of his time watching films. So much so that he spends most of his time at work watching films and deals with real-life situations based on inspiration he draws from various movies – be it helping an old couple thwart a corrupt policeman or wriggle out of a sticky spot himself. When he’s not watching films and helping out the town folk he is spending time with his wife Jyothi (Meena) and two daughters Anju (Kruthika) and Anu (Esther). Everything seems to be going fine for this close knit family with regular friendly banter and happy songs being sung. Until one day an incident involving Anju rocks their world.
Desperate to keep his family safe Ram Babu chalks out an elaborate plan to hoodwink the cops. And for a while he manages to, till he goes head on with the smart IG Geetha Prabhakar (Nadiya) who sees through his elaborately woven web of lies. The cat and mouse game between the cops and Ram Babu is what forms the rest of the plot.
The film does not disappoint. It is fast paced and the suspense keeps you on the edge throughout. While the movie does get off to a slightly slow start with the director taking her time to establish characters, it soon picks up and there’s never a dull moment. It is fascinating to see how the otherwise simple Ram Babu pits his ability to think quickly against a police force out to get him.
Venkatesh as the protective father proves once again why he is known as the king of family dramas. Meena as his wife lends able support and manages to hold her own against Venkatesh’s charm. Nadia is excellent in her role as the strong and gutsy top cop while also portraying a mother’s desperation. Child artiste Esther does a good job while newcomer Kruthika portrays the role of a victim rather well. Ravi Kale in his role as the corrupt constable, who also shares a hate relationship with Ram Babu manages to raise hackles. What Drishyam boils down to is two sets of parents desperate to ensure their children’s wellbeing and makes for a good watch.
Drishyam
Cast: Venkatesh, Meena, Nadia, Kruthika, Esther
Director: Sripriya
Genre: Thriller
Plot: How far can a man go to keep his family safe
Bottomline: A compelling thriller that does not disappoint
