What begins as a case against Phanindra Bhupati accused of murdering a Vice-chancellor (SP Nagamani Devi’s husband) and a student, soon turns out into a war against powerful evil forces.
Inspector Prudhviraj dons the get-up of State Rowdy Kalicharan in his attempt to checkmate Narendra Bhupati (a business tycoon) and Bankamatti Bhaskara Rao (a wannabe Chief Minister).
The movie is primarily driven by its intricate plot. However it’s one of the most complete masala movies to have ever come out of the Telugu film industry, replete with action, comedy, romance and sentiment. A notable achievement is that both the heroines and all supporting characters (including comedians Satyanarayana and Sudhakar) have a vital role to play, or are at least used as props (in the case of Jyothi Lakshmi, Jaya Malini and Allu Ramalingaiah).
After Khaidi (1983) brought Chiranjeevi an action-hero image, State Rowdy (1989) established his mass image he still has to this day. His style (pAta rojulu marchipoyArrA?) and charisma brought him closer to many more millions. While the movie moves on his shoulders throughout, the remaining star-studded cast does an adequate job.
B Gopal’s direction is far more impressive than in his later faction action movies. So are Paruchuris’ dialogues despite some clichés like, “nuvvu Inspector Prudhvi lAgAkAdu, State Rowdy lAgA rAvAli.”
While songs in B Gopal’s movies have always been more like speed-breakers of the plot, they are a treat to watch in this movie. Chiranjeevi and Radha were a rage for their steps in those days, which many times bore an inevitable influence of Michael Jackson’s break-dance.
Tunes ranging from “arere yamuDikine moguDinirA…“, “One two three…“, “rAdha rAdha…” to “chukkala pallakilo…” are still refreshing to hear. While the lyricists (some songs have the unmistakable signature of Veturi all over them) have done a good job, the credit goes to Bappi Lahari for letting them remain meaningful while keeping them peppy unlike today’s celebrity non-Telugu speaking music directors.
The movie is a complete and yet a no-nonsense movie. I recommend it to everybody. It has a very high “repeat value”.
This movie review has been moved from my old archives elsewhere.
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