Mahatma is verbose and preachy

The Telugu film Mahatma directed by Krishnavamsi talks about the relevance of Gandhism, and is actor Srikanth's 100th film.

Krishnavamsi sets his film against a political backdrop -- the times of scramble for land by politicians -- the creation of Special Economic Zones. He outlines the metamorphosis of a character from a rowdy to a Mahatma. The transformation takes place against the violent, turbulent political scenario. Although the theme/issue is good, the film caters more to the masses and is not too heart-warming or hard-hitting though the intention to bring back Gandhi and Gandhism, is touching and uplifting.

Das (Srikanth) is a local rowdy whose name is enough to strike terror in the people's hearts. Das is drawn into the rivalry between two MLAs -- Dada (Jayaprakash Reddy) and Kala Rani. When Das realises he is being used, he decides to form the Mahatma Party. He is actually introduced to the Gandhism way by Krishnaveni (Bhavana Balachandran), a lawyer who bails him out when he is put in jail for his rowdy acts.

Bellary (Ram Jagan) dressed as various freedom fighters from Andhra like Alluri Seetharama Raju, Prakasam, Potti Sreemalu and Gandhi, towards the end also plays a significant role in converting Das to follow Gandhi. Das gives up drinking, abstains from meat and treads the path of ahimsa and non-violence.

Dialogues are punchy in places, and there's sufficient humour, song and dance too (Das even dances with Krishnaveni in the boats on the backwaters of Alleppey, Kerala).

Krishnavamsi builds up the tempo fairly well till the interval but post interval, the film tends to dip and the tedium sets in. The film could have been better with a bit of editing. There's high-voltage action and one feels that the violence could have been toned down a bit. Krishnavamsi brings in the issue of money bags, dynasty politics and what have you, perfectly relevant in the current political scenario. He does not spare anyone or any issue related to this.

Krishnavamsi's good intention of a film with Gandhism is really brought alive by Srikanth, who is actually the life and soul of the film. For his landmark 100th film, Srikanth seems to have put in lot of effort to look credible and do a great job acting wise. He's able to bring out the transformation of the character from bad to good in a commendable way.  He's equally adept in depicting both shades proficiently.

Bhavana sports a natural look in the film. Her character development warranted better development. For a person who is so timid in the first few scenes especially as a lawyer and later motivates Das to change, is a bit hard to digest. Given the constraints, Bhavana does a decent job. J.P Reddy is loud but good and convincing as Dada. Ahuti Prasad, Uttej and Ram Jagan perform their parts well.

On the technical side, the film is satisfactory. Vijay Anthony's debut in Telugu as a music composer is good. He seems to have grasped the local nuances in terms of music. The songs have some impactful lyrics.

Krishnavamsi has made this film within the mainstream format, which seems to be a delimiting factor. As he has aimed it for the masses he's tuned it to their taste.

Mahatma, in a way brings back the father of the nation and Gandhism. However, it is pretty verbose and preachy filled with lot of rhetoric too in parts. It is to be seen whether people really accept this film or just see it and forget about it.

Krishnavamsi's effort to talk about Gandhi and Gandhism in politics is a laudable attempt, though.

Rediff rating: