PRASTHANAM is predictable, but it still is a decent tale of political rivalry, jealousy and greed up until that terrible twist that almost ruins the entire affair. The dialogues are brilliant, and the casting is superb.
Loki is a complex character that's brilliantly played by Sai Kumar. At one hand he secretly wants his own son Chinna to live happily and lavishly without knowing any hardships of life, on the other hand he also cares for his stepdad Mitra, and even though choosing him as his successor is a selfish choice, it still means that Mitra too is going to prosper. But, the last twist revealing that he was evil all along makes the entire affair muddy and robs hos character of all the nuances. From a conflicted father, he just becomes a selfish goon who only cares for himself. This thing wasn't hinted at any point and comes out so suddenly that it leaves you with a very bitter feeling.
Similarly, at one point Chinna is openly shown stabbing a person in front of the media, and the entire state is appalled, so much so that a leader of 25 years was on the verge of a devastating loss. But after a few minutes, he is shown openly in bar dancing, as if nothing has happened. I know people forget quickly, but not this quickly, that too if the person is so high profile.
Every story needs to maintain its internal logic, and that's where this film falters. I mean, why didn't Basha reveal the truth to Mitra earlier? It would have been beneficial for him as well as for Mitra?
There are so many writing gaps in the second half, that it completely kills the vibe of this film. The overstretched second half and abrupt song transitions aren't helping the case much.
All in all, I would say that this film begins strongly with a solid epilogue and first half, but due to very substandard screenplay and poor writing choices, it ends its run in a limping manner.
Loki is a complex character that's brilliantly played by Sai Kumar. At one hand he secretly wants his own son Chinna to live happily and lavishly without knowing any hardships of life, on the other hand he also cares for his stepdad Mitra, and even though choosing him as his successor is a selfish choice, it still means that Mitra too is going to prosper. But, the last twist revealing that he was evil all along makes the entire affair muddy and robs hos character of all the nuances. From a conflicted father, he just becomes a selfish goon who only cares for himself. This thing wasn't hinted at any point and comes out so suddenly that it leaves you with a very bitter feeling.
Similarly, at one point Chinna is openly shown stabbing a person in front of the media, and the entire state is appalled, so much so that a leader of 25 years was on the verge of a devastating loss. But after a few minutes, he is shown openly in bar dancing, as if nothing has happened. I know people forget quickly, but not this quickly, that too if the person is so high profile.
Every story needs to maintain its internal logic, and that's where this film falters. I mean, why didn't Basha reveal the truth to Mitra earlier? It would have been beneficial for him as well as for Mitra?
There are so many writing gaps in the second half, that it completely kills the vibe of this film. The overstretched second half and abrupt song transitions aren't helping the case much.
All in all, I would say that this film begins strongly with a solid epilogue and first half, but due to very substandard screenplay and poor writing choices, it ends its run in a limping manner.