Skanda Review: A Missed Opportunity for Fresh Storytelling in Tollywood

Director: Boyapati Sreenu

Cast: Ram Pothineni, Sreeleela, Sai Manjrekar, Srikanth, Raja, Gautami, and Ajay Purkar

Plot Summary

“Skanda” kicks off with business tycoon Jagapati Babu confessing his crimes and getting sentenced to jail. Amidst this, a political feud erupts between the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over a runaway bride. Enter Ram, a political science student who kidnaps the daughters of both CMs, setting the stage for a convoluted tale of politics, action, and romance.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Ram Pothineni, known for his romantic roles, attempts to don an action-hero avatar. While he excels in dance sequences and action scenes, his performance can’t save the film’s illogical plot. The film’s formulaic approach, reminiscent of Boyapati Sreenu’s previous works like ‘Simha’ and ‘Akhanda’, feels stale and uninspiring.

Sreeleela, a rising star, shines in her dance numbers but is otherwise relegated to a decorative role. Sai Manjrekar’s character is even more inconsequential, serving as a mere plot device rather than a fleshed-out character.

Gender Dynamics: A Step Backward

The film’s portrayal of women is problematic. They are reduced to mere props, shedding tears when the script demands but otherwise having no significant role. This chauvinistic approach is a glaring issue that cannot be overlooked.

Logic Takes a Backseat

The film’s plot stretches the boundaries of believability. The idea of a single individual taking on two Chief Ministers to save an industrialist is hard to digest. Moreover, the depiction of an ethical hacker turning into a vigilante feels over-the-top and forced.

Direction and Screenplay

Boyapati Sreenu’s direction leaves much to be desired. His formulaic approach, which worked in previous films, falls flat here. The screenplay lacks coherence, and the characters are poorly developed. The film also makes a mockery of high-security protocols, further straining its credibility.

Final Thoughts

“Skanda” is a missed opportunity for fresh storytelling in Tollywood. Despite its talented cast and high-octane action sequences, the film suffers from a lack of originality, poor character development, and a problematic portrayal of women. It’s a risky proposition that doesn’t pay off, leaving the audience wanting more substance and less spectacle.

Rating: 2/5