"Panja" Movie Review

"Panja" is directed by Vishnuvardhan who made "Billa". It had Pawan Kalyan pinning such high hopes that he made the Audio launch also a low-key affair and under-stated. The movie will remain that way only - under-stated and low-key because while it is pleasing to the eye, it is hard on the ears. If you combine I-Day and R-Day celebrations since 1947 also, you will not have heard so many gunshots ...in one movie. When will movie-makers realise that people don't come to the theatre to hear gunshots and see stylised violence masquerading as a slick gangster movie. We got the feelling we have seen this movie before in "Antham" or "Godfather" or countless RGV films. Pawan Kalyan looks good with his richly-trimmed beard and subtle acting, he also strived to dance reasonably according to his capacity well. But the rest of the cast doesn't get the characterisation you remember. Another wasted opportunity for Jackie Shroff. Yuvan Shankar Raja's music is good in maybe two songs but his BGM could have been better - he can deliver more like his legendary dad Ilayaraja. The Movie's weakness is the story, below-average entertainment, and dialogues spoken and audible in Don's Dens - doesn't connect well. I wonder if I have the energy in the coming years to watch Tollywood Stars's wild antics on day one - I felt more disappointed with myself for throwing my money for the nth time on stars who are competing with their nephews but dont invest well in stories that sizzle or set them apart. My resolution for 2012 will be to skip such movies on day one and wait for another "Bakra" to review the film for me. Sorry Pawan, but you asked for it. Though I am digressing - what depressed me more is two sulking trailers during interval - of "Businessman" (Mahesh) and "Rajanna" - 2012 looks more depressing from output point of view in Tollywood. But I hope I don't stay in this mood for long. Something better be good soon.