Puri Jagannadh’s Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu (2012) Movie Review

Movie: Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu

Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Tamannaah, Prakash Raj

Director: Puri Jagannadh

There have been numerous attempts in the past to bring alive an actor’s off screen persona to the roles he portrays on screen. Case in point being Rajinikanth’s Baba and Pawan Kalyan’s Komaram Puli; however, most of these films couldn’t create magic at Box Office. Now, Puri Jagannadh has tried to do something similar in Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu starring Pawan Kalyan in the lead role. It’s a sincere and a honest film in which every frame reflects the off screen persona of Pawan Kalyan. Rambabu (Pawan Kalyan) is a common man who reacts to issues and he is discovered by Ganga (Tamannaah). Rambabu joins the media and becomes a popular figure. He condemns the killing of a fellow journalist by Prakash Raj, who is son of Opposition Party Leader Kota. Rambabu vows to spoil Prakash Raj’s plans from becoming the next Chief Minister and how he creates a revolution to do that forms the rest of the story. Though it sounds like a conventional story, it’s different film from Puri Jagannadh, who seems to be moving away from his trademark punch dialogues and racy screenplays. He has conveyed his story effectively in the backdrop of media. Comedy becomes a part of screenplay and the movie is sans vulgarity. The film has a lot of references to the current politics in the state and Puri cleverly makes sure not to throw any political agenda. Pawan Kalyan is in great form and he is at ease in his role. He’s at his best during emotionally charged up scenes which require him to deliver lengthy dialogues. His modulation for SriSri and Tilaks dialogues bring more credibility to the scene. His stature and persona are an integral part of the characterisation and he should be commended for taking up such a role after Gabbar Singh. Tamannah has a meatier role in first half but is limited in second half. Music is average at best and Mani disappoints with BGM. It doesn’t elevate the mood of certain scenes. Editing is good and production values are decent considering the movie was shot in record time. Every commercial film has a certain tradeoff when it deals with a social message and Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu lacks the intellectual depth which is expected from such films. The film lacks the intensity which films like Oke okkadu and Leader had, except for the pre-climax scene that has Pawan Kalyan delivering a 4 minute tailor-made speech. All said and done, Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu is a treat for Pawan Kalyan’s fans. There’s so much to cheer about when Pawan Kalyan’s off screen persona is brought alive on big screen.

Despite the pitfalls, Pawan Kalyan’s charisma holds the film together and Puri Jagannadh has ensured that there’s a lot to cheer about for Pawan Kalyan’s fans in Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu.

Survi Review: 3/5

(Review First Posted in Postnoon)

Theatrical Trailer: