Temper - NTR is back with a bang!

by Pranita Jonnalagedda 21:14 0 comments Movie Reviews

Temper
Rating: ***1/2
Cast: NTR, Kajal Aggarwal, Posani Krishna Murali and Prakash Raj
Director: Puri Jagganadh
Music: Anup Rubens
Genre: Action-drama
Plus: Lead performances, music
Minus: Violence, too much booze

So we were told that NTR could possibly have been part of ‘Pataas’. Now we know why he probably wasn’t. And if you watch both the films, you will know too! Because ‘Temper’ will be a déjà vu of the Kalyan Ram-starrer, at least for a major part of the first half!

A corrupt police officer – check. Raking in lots of moolah – check. Change in behaviour after some time – check. Reason for change is the brutal murder of a young girl – check. Sex starved youngsters the cause for all this – check. Hero is the aide of the villains – check.

But despite that, ‘Temper’ has its own soul, courtesy director Puri Jagganadh who has given it a very likeable treatment. The film starts on a beach where Daya (NTR) suddenly wakes up injured among a sea of dead bodies. And then we are taken into the flashback of a little orphaned kid Daya who wants to become a cop only so that he can earn a great deal of money.

Still from 'Temper'

He grows up the same and is as corrupt as corrupt can be. He (NTR) goes on to become the aide and friend of Waltair Vasu (Prakash Raj), a ruffian who wants a police officer to cover up all his illegal and unlawful activities.

And Puri Jagganadh skillfully weaves around an intense drama that slowly grips you. While the first half offers no great shakes, it is the second half that brings in an adrenaline rush. Every scene just elevates the impulse created and it goes higher and higher.

There are some interesting scenes throughout the film, for instance Murthy (Posani), a sincere constable’s reluctance to salute to Daya. Though you had expected it right from the start, when he finally does salute, you are glad. Then there is the rape video that comes as a thunderbolt and brings you into reality for a bit.

Interestingly, for Puri Jagganadh’s standards, the violence is very mild. Not that there is none but when you compare to many of his other flicks, it is comparatively mellowed.

However, the good stuff apart, ‘Temper’ comes with a couple of flaws too. There’s too much of booze all around, it gets irritating after a point. Then there are the scenes from NTR, Hari Krishna and Balakrishna’s films – unnecessary.

Anup Rubens music and Mani Sharma’s background score are value additions to the flick. The background score, especially, brings life to the drama.

NTR has been going through a dry spell and it is understandable that he would give his best. But why the director makes him shout his lungs out is one code we haven’t been able to crack. Despite that one flaw, he gives an amazing act and he has some powerful dialogues to utter. You can’t help yourself from hating him. His meanness and corruptness is so natural that at a point of time you wish he adapts the good ways soon. Added to that is some impressive choreography that only elevates and highlights NTR’s ability to dance.

As for Kajal’s act, it makes us realise that despite so many new faces that have come in recent times, the screen presence she has, is something that cannot easily be matched. It would be nice to see her more often on the big screen.

Other noteworthy performances are that of Posani Krishna Murali and Prakash Raj – while Posani’s role is like an anchor to Daya, the latter plays his role to perfection. Other performances by Subbaraj, Madhurima, Tanikella Bharani et all are perfect.

If you are someone who loves a typical Telugu masala entertainer, this is one for you. It has its flaws and isn’t perfect. But watch it just for the fun of it and please don’t take your kids along!