Rangasthalam Movie Review: Ram Charan and Samantha Akkineni Deliver Winning Performances in This Period Thriller, Say Critics

After riding on much hype, Ram Charan and Samantha Akkineni's new movie Rangasthalam has hit the screens this Friday. And going by the reviews, the movie seems to be a winner for both the stars. Rangasthalam is directed by Sukumar and is a period drama-thriller set in the '80s in a rural setup. The movie also stars Anasuya Bharadwaj, Aadhi Pinisetty, Jagapathi Babu and Prakash Raj. Pooja Hegde appears in a special dance number.

Ram Charan plays Chitti Babu, a happy-go-lucky villager who is hearing-impaired. Samantha Akkineni plays a village belle who has a equally strong character. Rangasthalam has opened today, and the movie has got some really good reviews, especially for the premise and the performances.

Check out what the critics have to say about the movie,

Hindustan Times says, "In Rangasthalam, however, we have Ram Charan stand arm-in-arm with onscreen brother Aadhi but at the same time fearful of his safety. This equation adds a refreshing twist to the character of the hero. Cinematography by Rathnavelu has added great value to the film. The chase sequence in the night, especially when Chitti Babu is taken over by rage, is shot so well and accompanied by great background score. It adds to the drama that unfolds on screen."

Times of India says, "‘Rangasthalam’ genuinely takes you back to the 80s and hits you with a massive dose of nostalgia – radios and record dances galore. The film is not just set in the 80s; it also picks a story template from that era and narrates the tale in a refreshingly raw manner. However, Sukumar must be credited for fleshing out the characters well enough that they don’t seem like caricatures of a bygone era. He must also be credited for making them capable enough to be empowered should the need arise. The characters, even the ones that have minimal screen time, are etched only after careful thought. And the best out of all them is Chitti Babu."

Indian Express says, "In spite of all the flaws, Ram Charan makes up for it with his brilliant performance. His stellar performance and the director’s ability to induce the flavour of the 80’s makes the film a watchable affair. The songs surely add some extra value to the film but a dragged second half with unnecessary sentimental scenes is a downer."

It looks like Ram Charan and Samantha have a winner in hand. So have you seen Rangasthalam? Share your thoughts below...

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 30, 2018 04:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).