Star director Krishna Vamsi’s comeback film Rangamarthanda proved to be a worthy adaptation of the Marathi film Natsamrat starring Nana Patekar and directed by Mahesh Majrekar, which was based on a play by playwright Kusumagraj. Krishna Vamsi has skillfully adapted the film to appeal to Telugu sensibilities and did a brilliant job at it. While documenting the struggle of an actor stuck in his glory days, the film unveiled a tragic family drama that lingers and makes the audience think. In the intro, a tribute to the ‘actor’, Nenoka Natudni, a visual montage of Telugu actors from the past to present with Chiranjeevi’s voiceover, adds a special touch and brings in fond memories. Invoking great playwrights from English and Telugu in its narration, the film reiterates, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players”. With decades of theatrical achievements, applauding fans and a proud family, Raghava Rao receives the title Rangamarthanda (the king of the theatre) and bangaru kankanam (a gold bracelet). But in a shocking announcement, the man of the moment reveals he is retiring from the stage to spend quality time with his family. The grandeur and a certain pride in the achievements of the master actor are established well, and it stays as a reference point for what is to come. With multiple layers and character shades, the story serves as a commentary on the evolving fabric of family and society. Rangamarthanda Raghava Rao’s worldview can evoke a range of emotions which can be contested, just like how his wife, whom he fondly calls Raju Garu (Ramya Krishnan), agrees and disagrees. The couple has two children, Rangarao (Aadarsh Balakrishna) and Bangaram (Shivathmika Rajashekar). Rangarao is married to Geeta (Anasuya Bharadwaj) and Bangaram gets married to Rahul (Rahul Sipligunj). There is subtle finesse in how these characters are written with a universal appeal. Ali Reza, as Siddhu, plays an important role and acting coach Satyananda, as Satyananda, gets to play his real life on screen. What truly puts the film in another realm is the cast’s outstanding performances. Primarily Prakash Raj and Brahmanadam, known for their excellent acting skills in their long careers, have outperformed themselves in this film. Be it their verbal or non-verbal language, both of them have reached their zenith. Watch out for a scene where both these characters recollect and enact dialogues from an old play that they have performed in their prime. Prakash Raj executed navarasas, and Brahmanadam binds the audience emotionally. Ramya Krishnan, too, subtly brings her brilliance to the mix. Shivathmika is a surprise package and totally impresses everyone with her acting skills. Rahul Sipligunj brings freshness to the table and makes for a few rib-tickling moments with his Telangana slang and lively dialogues. Anasuya, a shrewd daughter-in-law, and Aadarsh, a sandwiched son and husband, add to the drama. Maestro Ilaiyaraja’s music and Sirivennela Sitaramasastri’s lyrics will amplify the effect and churn the audience emotionally. While the cinematography is decent, it could have been edited better. The film had cinematography by Raj K Nalli and editing by Pavan VK and Babu Srungavarapu. This emotionally stirring family drama may not have commercial elements, but even with its imperfections, the film will keep the audience hooked and has a universal recall. Actors Prakash Raj and Brahmanandam came up with performances of a lifetime. Watch it.Read more