HOMAM - REVIEW

Film: Homam

Cast: Jagapathi Babu, J D Chekravarthy, Mamta Mohandas, Mahesh Manjrekar, Pradeep Rawat, M S Narayana and others
Dialogues: Kona Venkat
Music: Nitin and J D Chekravarthy
Background score: Amar Mohile
Editing: Banodaya
Cinematography: Bharani K Dharan
Lyrics: Suddala Ashok Teja
Stunts: Selva
Production Designer: Suman Varma
Produced by: Kiran Kumar Koneru
Story, screenplay and directed by: J D Chekravarthy
Release date: August 28, 2008

What’s it about!
A sincere police cop Vishwanth (Pradeep Rawat) picks up Malli (Jagapathi Babu), son of a criminal and makes him an under cover cop. Malli infiltrates the mob syndicate run by Daddy (Mahesh Manjrekar). On the other hand, Daddy makes Chandu (J D Chekravarthy), a rag picker, a police officer. Chandu gives all the information about police to Daddy while Malli passes the details about Daddy’s business to Vishwanath. Both Malli and Chandu land in danger of being caught and exposed to the enemy. The rest of the movie is all about how they uncover the identity of the other man to save themselves.

Analysis

Actor J D Chekravarthy has directed couple of Hindi films and he makes debut as director with Homam in Telugu. He has taken the basic premise from Oscar award winning The Departed (which itself is remake of Infernal Affairs). Although he has incorporated some localized content like mother sentiment angle and romantic thread to both the male leads, Homam by and large is replica of The Departed.

Jagapathi Babu’s performance, pre-interval episode, mother-sentiment scenes have worked out well. First half of the movie goes with crispness while the second half is dragged to some extent. Some ‘thrilling moment’s and episodes might attract Telugu audiences. On the downside, unnecessary songs and morbid romantic thread have spoiled the proceedings. J D fails to maintain the tempo. On the whole, the film is okay to watch.

Performances

Jagapathi Babu as spirited cop excels. His performance is big asset. In a scene where he tries to explain his mother that he is not rowdy but real cop and that he’s not telling lies, Jagapathi Babu comes out knockout performance. J D Chekravarthy is perfect foil. In fact, he is too good as actor than director. Mamta Mohandas and the other newcomer in the film are wasted and have nothing to talk about. The much talked about Jagapathi and Mamta's erotic song is not included in the final movie. Mahesh Manjrekar does okay as mob leader. Pradeep Rawat in a positive role brings freshness. Music by J D Chekravarthy is biggest minus to the film. None of the songs are good to ears nor are them shot eye-catching. It can be done away the songs. Sakshi Sivanand as item bomb fails to make an impact. Cinematography Dharani is good. So is Bhanodaya’s editing work. M S Narayana’s comedy track is okay but hinders the pace of the film.

Bottom-line!

Homam has some interesting episodes and has good performance by Jagapathi Babu. The film has good first half. Those who have not seen the original The Departed may like it. For others, it seems just an okay film. On the whole, it is an average fare