1 - Nenokkadine Review by Hari Yellina

Film: 1 - Nenokkadine
Rating: 2.5/5

Banners: EROS International, 14 Reels Entertainment

Cast: Mahesh Babu, Kriti Sanon, Kelly Dorjee, Nasser, Posani, Sayaji Shinde, Pradeep Rawat, Srinivas Reddy, Gautham Krishna and others
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Cinematographer: Ratnavelu
Editor: Karthika Srinivas
Director: Sukumar
Producers: Achanta Ram, Achanta Gopichand, Anil Sunkara

Release date: 10/01/2014

Prince Mahesh Babu is back after spending a lot of his time and dates on this project. It is also the first time director Sukumar has attempted something different. Is it that different? Let us see

Whats the story?

Mahesh Babu is a rock star with fans worldwide. But he does not remember anything. He forgets things immediately. He feels like he did something but he does not do anything. He thinks he did not do anything but he does something.

Mahesh will be attacked by a gang. Mahesh escapes from them when they tried to kill him. Later Mahesh will follow the vilan and kills him. This video will be shot in cam by TV reporter Shruti, who is the heroine of the film. Heroine Shruti is a TV channel reporter. But Shruti will not see anyone except Mahesh in the video when played again. This is the first shock Sukumar gives his audience.

After that incident Mahesh could not concentrate on music and every one looks at him like a lost man. Mahesh will move to Goa. Then heroine starts being back of the hero. Another gang follows him in Goa also and attacks him in an attempt to kill. The murder attempt fails and Mahesh will escape from the threat. This time also Mahesh will kill the Vilan. This is the second time Sukumar gives again a twist to audience. It would be excited to watch the suspense twist on the screen than to know it here. Audience have to watch it on the screen and enjoy the thrill.

Performances

Mahesh Babu looks shrunk and he seems to have worked out a lot but not one scene was able to show those sleek muscles. Not much was there for him to perform too as it was serious character.

Kriti Sanon is drop dead beautiful. She has an extremely camera friendly face and added to that, her height and glowing skin give that glam appeal. She looks sexy with good performance quotient and has every potential to become a top league queen here.

Gautham Krishna looked cute and confident in front of the camera. Nasser was brief but did his part well. Kelly Dorjee was usual. Posani was okay. Pradeep Rawat was hardly there. Sayaji Shinde was not that great. Sophie’s sex appeal and oomph factor was not used properly.

Highlights

• Mahesh Babu
• Cinematography
• Background score

Drawbacks

• Confusing storyline
• Complicated screenplay
• Lag in scenes
• Weak songs
• Poor gripping quotient
• Lack of enough peaks 

Analysis

What happens when you are in full mood to have Dosa and then you get served a Subway sandwich? It is not to say Subway stuff is not good but the mood and taste goes bitter. The same experience happens when you watch this film.

Ideally, for any star hero film there are certain elements of expectation and requirement the audience seeks before entering the theatres. And if it is someone like Mahesh Babu then such requirements are more. 

Given the time, money that has gone into the making and the hype that has been created there was enough happening in the audience minds when they waited for the film to take off. But after few minutes of the start, the mind goes blank and is basically trying to figure out what or why is it necessary to strain the brain so much. 

Well, Sukumar has not left his signature style and worked a lot on the psychological aspect. In fact, the entire story revolves around the protagonist and his internal conflict, the action sequences and romance were just accessories which brought some energy into the whole plot.

Still, the lag factor tends to test the patience of the viewer to a large extent. The film takes off with some promise but as it progresses the brain game and psychological stuff from Sukumar begins to show and makes the audience feel over taxing their brains.

The interval bang was good no doubt and many expected the second half to make up for it. However, the second half also proceeds at its own pace.

Even the songs were not complete and it was evident that they were cut to reduce the run time of the film.

A thriller is meant to keep the viewer on the edge of seat but by the time the film reaches the closing stages, some of them are either slipping from the seats or sleeping by resting back.

Overall, the rating given is more to do with the technical aspects and the making but in terms of content this is not a product expected from Sukumar. 

The movie has rated an average of 2.75 out of 5. Continue to read film critics' verdict on 1: Nenokkadine.

 Oneindia - Rating: 3 

Overall, 1: Nenokkadine is a wonderful psychological thriller, which will appeal to a particular section of audience. The movie has Mahesh Babu's excellent performance, Sukumar brilliant direction, and amazing technical stuff. It is a paisa vasool entertainer that will remain as a classic and landmark film in the career of Mahesh Babu and Sukumar. Don't miss to watch the movie this weekend. 

Idlebrain - Jeevi Rating: 3.25 

When three big names - Mahesh Babu, Sukumar and 14 Reels are involved in making such a high-budgeted film, there are bound to be a lot of expectations. 1 Nenokkadine is not a commercial potboiler. Film lovers who have exposure to Hollywood films and world cinema will appreciate this movie. 1 Nenokkadine is a film that makes Mahesh, Sukumar, producers and entire unit proud. 

Indiaglitz - Rating: 2.5 

Although a gripping storyline (given that it is a mix of psychological thriller elements and Hollywoodish plot), Sukumar's narration falls short of expectations. The length adds to our woes, so much so one feels like one's patience is being tested. Gulte - Rating: 2.75 Mahesh Babu's brilliant performance is the only saving grace for this film. He has put in heart and soul in to the character and gave everything to it. But director Sukumar got it completely wrong and 1 ends up as an experiment that went horribly wrong. 

Tupaki - 2.25 

Too much of technical brilliance doesn't add much to success if it is not supported by stunning story. Though the thought behind making ‘1' is interesting, Sukumar's dull finish in the second hour and with climax is a letdown. No doubt, ‘1' failed to pass many subjects, though he is a brilliant student. B & Centres find it tough to understand this ‘intelligent' guy. We have to see how this impacts trade. 

123Telugu - Review 

For all the hype surrounding the movie, 1 - Nenokkadine ends up as a disappointment. Except for Mahesh Babu's outstanding performance in the film, there is nothing in the film to entice or entertain movie lovers. The needlessly complex plot and excessive run time make things worse. Because of Mahesh Babu's stardom and the Sankranthi season, the film may pull in good revenues in week 1.

by Hari Yellina is a director of Suvarnabhoomi Pty Ltd, who create wealth for their clients & Investors through independent, unbiased property & export advice. He has been voted Australia's Who's Who of Top 50 and his opinions are regularly featured in the media.