#Astrology is followed by almost everybody otherwise there wouldn’t have been an astrology column in dailies, weeklies and magazines. Thought how much one believes is a matter of debate. Some may dismiss it as superstition and other may take an undue interest in it. But a recent movie #RadheShyam has astrology as it’s main backdrop. The science of medicine is pitched against the science of astrology which becomes the crux of the narration. Carrying the burden of mega hit ‘#Bahubali’ #Prabhas has dabbled in utter romantic role for the first time in a Hindi film wherein he plays a renowned palmist. Radha #KrishnaKumar directorial Radhe Shyam starts with a narration from #AmitabhBachchan and the story of ‘#IndiaKaNostradamus’ #Vikramaditya fondly referred to as Aditya starts unfolding whose predictions never go wrong. To establish this fact he is shown predicting about ‘Emergency’ which compels him to stay outside India.
VikramAditya (Prabhas) is a well known palmist who is also referred to as an ‘India Ka Nostradamus’. His Vedic guru claims that any science including astrological science, is only 99% authentic and Prabhas doesn’t agree with it. His guru imbibes on him that that 1% is for humans to alter their ‘destiny’ with perseverance and dedication. He keeps claiming that he doesn’t have a love-line but keeps fleeting from one girl to another in exotic places like, New York, Sydney, Paris and other European countries, without falling in love. He is always looking for ‘Flitationship’ rather than a relationship. He has a palatial house in Italy where he stays with his mother (Bhagyashree) and brother-like-friend (Kunal Roy Kapur). His mother keeps insisting that he ‘settle’ down but he laughs it away all the time. But destiny has something else in store for him because he falls madly in love with Dr Prerana (Pooja Hegde). He studies Pooja’s hand and predicts a long life and a bright future in her chosen field as against medical predictions. Pooja actually is fighting some inevitable circumstances in her life. After torrid affair Pooja wants to confess her love but Prabhas is reluctant to take things further because of no ‘Love-Line’ on his palm. What transpires next and in-between forms the story of Radhe Shyam.
Radhe Shyam’s story doesn’t have much of a novelty and it’s screenplay is pathetic. Though the film throws a good message that no science is 100% accurate and there’s a scope to change one’s destiny with Karma. But the narration is uninteresting and the length of the film (142 m) makes watching more cumbersome. The director fails to put across the point as the film is unable to make impact despite good thought due to lackadaisical screenplay. The Italian taxi drivers, bus drivers, hospital staff etc speak in English which is unauthentic as Italians seldom speak English. The production design is marvellous and cinematography (Manoj Paramahansa) is a visual treat. The climax, which will be compared to the Titanic climax, is world class and shot beautifully. Music compliments the movie and ‘Aashiqui Aa Gayi’ is hummable.
One can notice Prabhas’ improved Hindi diction and his persona is captivating. Pooja Hegde looks beautiful and her entry scene is eye catching. Despite both looking good together the chemistry between them is deterrent in this love story. The screenplay fails them as their roles are not precisely etched out. Still performances wise they individually have nicely executed their characters. Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Kunal Roy Kapur and others offer decent performances.
The die hard fans of Prabhas and Pooja Hegde will love ‘Radhe Shyam’ and the grandeur of the film is an added attraction.
Rating: ***
