AGNYAATHAVAASI

Finally, the day that Pawan Kalyan fans have been eagerly waiting for has arrived. The most anticipated Telugu film of 2018, Agnyaathavaasi, hits the screens today. After 2 unsuccessful flicks, Pawan Kalyan has teamed up with his close friend Trivikram Srinivas for yet another stylish commercial entertainer.

Pawan Kalyan as Abhijith Bhargav is a rich businessman. He impersonates as a staff in his very own company to save it from falling into the wrong hands. This is all Agnyaathavaasi is about. Though the story is not so great, following a similar template as Attarintiki Daredi, Trivikram’s treatment, and screenplay keep the audience engaged throughout. So you don’t get bored even though the script hardly has anything fresh to offer.
 

One thing that goes against the film is the predictability factor. It is fairly simple to connect the dots and predict what is going to happen next. Of course, there are a few twists in the tale as it plays along. The second half drags quite a bit as the core plot gets diluted. A few comedy scenes seem unnecessary and not in sync with the intensity of the script. You will also have to forgo the logical loopholes and they are in abundance throughout.

It is a total Pawan Kalyan show. He dazzles in every department - action, comedy, dance and emotion. Overall, Pawan has given a performance that will satisfy all his fans.

There is a huge contingent of supporting cast in the form of Kushboo, Boman Irani, Rao Ramesh, Vennela Kishore, Tanikella Bharani and Ajay who play their roles with the expected sincerity.

You would find a momentarily mass scene whenever you feel the screenplay is tilting towards the slower side. One of the high points of the film would be the pre-interval fight scene. In fact, there are quite a few fight scenes, and all of them are choreographed crisply.

Aadhi as a smart and menacing villain shines with his mannerisms, style and dialogue delivery. His skills in the film are largely limited to planning, but the plans don’t get into action. Keerthy Suresh and Anu Emmanuel look graceful and get a few key scenes and songs. In the overall picture, however, they do not get enough screen time.

Anirudh is more or less like the second hero. Both the songs and re-recording are standout elements of Agnyaathavaasi. One cannot think of a better debut in Tollywood than this for the rockstar.  The good thing is, a couple of songs aren't just song sequences but are integrated with interesting scenes. Cinematographer V Manikandan has given a glossy outlook and has enhanced the mass scenes.

On the whole, Agnyaathavaasi has the expected Pawan Kalyan’s charismatic screen presence and some crowd-pleasing mass moments treated in a slightly different way.

Dhaga Dhagamaney

Singer: Anirudh Ravichander

Lyrics: Srimani

This is the introductory track for Pawan Kalyan in Agnyathavaasi. The song is expected to be a fast-paced massy number and Anirudh, in his debut album has delivered nothing short of one. Anirudh himself renders this song, and his voice is a major plus to the song. The song gives a rock feel, while also providing a classical touch to it. The usage of the Tabla, Ganjeera, and drums accompanied by the swashbuckling lead guitars, makes this the perfect intro song for the Power Star.

Baitikochi Chuste

Singer: Anirudh Ravichander

Lyrics: Srimani

Baitikochi is the first single that released from Agnyathavaasi, and the song has been received exceptionally well by fans and music lovers. It is a sweet melody ruled by the guitar chords and Kamlakhar's enchanting flute. Again, Anirudh's fluent rendition is a bonus to the track. It was an instant hit among youngsters with its quirky lyrics and a catchy foot-tapping tune.

Swagatham Krishna

Singer: Niranjana Ramanan

Original Devotional Song Composer: Oothukkadu Venkatasubbaiyer

Swagatham Krishna is a devotional song composed by Oothukkaduy Venkatasubbaiyer, which has been adapted and arranged by Anirudh for Agnyathavaasi. Niranjana Ramanan flawlessly renders this traditional Carnatic song. The listening experience has been enhanced by Anirudh's brilliant background arrangement. The inclusion of the guitars and synths makes sure that the listener gets an enchanting experience throughout the track.

Gaali Vaaluga

Singer: Anirudh Ravichander

Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry

Gaali Vaaluga was another single, which was released recently. Like Baitikochi, this song too received praise from music lovers all over. A Spanish touch is sprinkled over this track, in which the Dilruba plays an important role. Anirudh's usage of his guitars and violins has never failed to captivate the listener, and it works in this song as well. Anirudh also sings this song and he does complete justice to the track. This could be the pick of the album for many.

AB Yevaro Nee Baby

Singers: Nakash Aziz and Arjun Chandy

Lyrics: Srimani

This is another peppy number for Agnyathavaasi, sung by Nakash Aziz. The backing vocals, which has some funky scat singing by Arjun Chandy, sounds good. Again, effective use of guitars and some groovy beats makes this another foot tapping number.