1: Nenokkadine Movie Review (2014): Mahesh Babu Shines in Intense Thriller

Synopsis

“1: Nenokkadine,” directed by Sukumar, stars Mahesh Babu as Gautham, a rock star haunted by his traumatic past. Kriti Sanon plays Sameera, a journalist who helps him uncover the truth about his parents’ murder. The film is a psychological thriller that takes the audience on a journey through Gautham’s troubled mind as he tries to solve the mystery of his past.

Story

Gautham (Mahesh Babu) is a successful rock star plagued by haunting memories of his childhood, where he witnessed the brutal murder of his parents. These traumatic events leave him with psychological scars, causing him to experience disturbing hallucinations. Despite these episodes, the people around him believe he is imagining things. Sameera (Kriti Sanon), a journalist, enters his life, falls in love with him, and helps him uncover the truth about his parents’ death. Their journey takes them to various places including Goa, London, and Ireland, as they piece together the mystery and confront the killers.

Review

Performance Analysis

Mahesh Babu delivers a career-defining performance in “1: Nenokkadine.” Taking on a role that involves psychological depth and complexity, he portrays Gautham with a nuanced and layered approach. His depiction of a man tormented by his past, yet driven by a relentless quest for truth, is both compelling and convincing. Mahesh’s ability to balance subtlety with intensity shines through, particularly in scenes such as the interval episode and his confrontation with the main antagonist.

Kriti Sanon, in her debut role, complements Mahesh’s performance with grace and charm. She not only adds to the glamour quotient in the musical sequences but also holds her own in pivotal moments of the film. Her chemistry with Mahesh is palpable, making their partnership on this tumultuous journey believable and engaging.

Supporting actors like Kelly Dorji, Pradeep Rawat, Nassar, and Posani Krishna Murali contribute significantly to the narrative. Kelly Dorji plays a menacing villain, while Pradeep Rawat and Nassar deliver solid performances as key figures in Gautham’s quest. Posani Krishna Murali’s role provides a rare comic relief in an otherwise intense narrative. Mahesh Babu’s son, Gowtam, makes a memorable debut as the younger version of Gautham, showcasing a natural ease in acting.

Technical Brilliance

“1: Nenokkadine” stands out for its high production values and technical excellence. The cinematography by Ratnavelu is spectacular, capturing the film’s varied locales with finesse and adding a visual richness to the narrative. The sequences shot in Goa, London, and Ireland are particularly stunning, providing a vivid backdrop to the unfolding drama. The music and background score by Devi Sri Prasad are integral to the film’s atmosphere, though a couple of songs might seem misplaced within the story. Tracks like “Who Are You?” and “Aww Tuzo Mogh Kortha” seamlessly integrates into the narrative, whereas “You’re My Love” disrupts the film’s flow.

International stunt coordinator Conrad Palmisano’s involvement ensures that the action sequences and stunts are of top-notch quality, adding to the film’s thrill factor. The chase scenes and combat sequences are choreographed with precision, providing adrenaline-pumping moments that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The editing by Karthika Srinivas, while competent, could have benefited from more stringent cuts, particularly in the second half where the film’s pace tends to lag. A tighter edit would have enhanced the film’s overall impact and maintained a more consistent tempo.

Narrative Structure and Screenplay

The screenplay of “1: Nenokkadine” is both a strength and a challenge. It delves into the psychological thriller genre, a rare endeavor in Telugu cinema, and offers a multi-layered narrative that requires the audience’s close attention. The film’s complex structure and non-linear storytelling might be confusing for some viewers, especially in the first half. Sukumar takes bold risks with the narrative, presenting the story through Gautham’s unreliable perspective. This approach, while intriguing, demands active engagement from the audience to piece together the fragmented clues.

Critics have pointed out that the film’s excessive runtime, which stretches to nearly three hours, affects its overall pace and tempo. Trimming the runtime by about 30 minutes could have streamlined the storytelling and enhanced the viewing experience. Despite these challenges, the narrative offers a rewarding experience for those who appreciate intricate plotlines and psychological depth. The twists and revelations are meticulously crafted, keeping the audience guessing until the very end.

Direction and Execution

Director Sukumar deserves praise for his ambitious attempt at crafting a psychological thriller. His vision to explore themes of trauma, memory, and revenge through a non-traditional lens is commendable. Sukumar’s direction ensures that the film remains visually and thematically engaging, even when the narrative seems to drift. He skillfully blends intense action sequences with moments of emotional depth, creating a balanced and compelling narrative.

Sukumar’s attention to detail is evident in the way he handles Gautham’s psychological struggles. The hallucinations and flashbacks are seamlessly integrated into the story, providing insights into Gautham’s fractured mind. The director’s decision to avoid typical commercial elements, like comedy tracks and over-the-top heroism, is a refreshing change that adds to the film’s authenticity.

The film, however, is not a universal crowd-pleaser. Its appeal lies more with audiences who appreciate intricate plotlines and are familiar with the conventions of psychological thrillers and world cinema. 1: Nenokkadine is not a typical commercial entertainer but rather a thought-provoking piece that challenges the viewer’s perceptions and expectations. It is a film that demands patience and intellectual engagement, rewarding those who invest in its complex narrative.

Personal Opinion

“1: Nenokkadine” is a bold experiment in Telugu cinema, offering a psychological thriller that challenges conventional storytelling. While the film’s complex narrative and extended runtime may not cater to all tastes, it is a rewarding experience for those who appreciate deeper, more thought-provoking cinema. Mahesh Babu’s performance alone is worth the watch, and the film’s technical brilliance adds to its allure.

What’s Good

• Mahesh Babu’s Performance: His portrayal of Gautham is nuanced and compelling, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
• Technical Brilliance: High production values, stunning cinematography by Ratnavelu, and thrilling action sequences make the film visually appealing.
• Music and Score: Devi Sri Prasad’s contributions elevate the film’s mood and atmosphere, adding depth to key scenes.
• Supporting Cast: Strong performances by supporting actors, including Kriti Sanon, Kelly Dorji, and Pradeep Rawat, enhance the narrative.

What’s Bad

• Screenplay Complexity: The intricate narrative and non-linear storytelling can be confusing for some viewers, particularly in the first half.
• Excessive Runtime: The nearly three-hour duration affects the film’s pace, requiring trimming for a more streamlined experience.
• Misplaced Songs: Some musical sequences feel out of place within the narrative, disrupting the film’s flow.

Rating

“1: Nenokkadine” is a visually stunning and intellectually engaging psychological thriller that stands out for its ambition and technical excellence. However, its complex narrative and excessive runtime may not appeal to all viewers.

FAQs

Is 1: Nenokkadine hit or flop?

The film wasn’t a commercial success, but it has become popular among fans due to Mahesh Babu’s excellent performance and Sukumar’s unique storytelling.

Is 1: Nenokkadine worth watching?

Yes, especially for fans of psychological thrillers and Mahesh Babu’s acting.

What is the story of 1: Nenokkadine?

The film follows Gautham, a rock star haunted by childhood trauma, as he seeks to uncover the truth behind his parents’ murder while battling psychological challenges.