What’s it about?
There was a theory that the world would end on December 21, 2012, and media outlets made it a big deal at the time. A greedy local in Bedurulanka, Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh (Ajay Ghosh) decides to con the villagers just before the predicted end of the world.
Assisted by the Hindu priest Brahamam (Srikanth Aiyenger) and the Christian father Daniel (Ramprasad), he convinces the villagers that the end of the world can be postponed if they pool their gold ornaments to create a Golden Shivlingam and a Golden Holy Cross. Goparaju Ramana, the village chief, approves, and everyone pitches in to give the gold.
This is a hoax, says Shiva (Karthikeya), the recently returned young man from Hyderabad who has fallen in love with Chitra (Neha Sshetty), the daughter of the village president. In what way will Shiva reveal the fraud?
Analysis
Written and directed by newcomer Clax, “Bedurulanka 2012” revolves around an interesting point: how some people exploit people’s beliefs for their own gain. The media constantly reports on con artists who prey on people’s natural tendency to be fearful of God in order to make a quick buck. The premise of “Bedurulanka 2012” is built around highlighting this fact in a light hearted manner.
The premise is interesting, and the story begins well. Some of the jokes are funny, and others have double meaning as well. However, the number of gags in the first half is adequate.
However, it soon becomes clear that the new writer-director lacks the creative tools to move the tale forward. The director relied on basic one-liners and Godavari-style humor, but the sequences in which the protagonist utilizes Satya and Vennela Kishore to reveal the fraud conducted by Ajay Ghosh are unconvincing. The final song also dampens the mood.
Kartikeya does an good job in terms of performance. He doesn’t have much of a role, yet he immerses himself in the plot. Ajay Ghosh is given a big role, which he uses effectively. As preists, Srikanth Aiyenger and Ram Prasad deliver some amusing moments. Neha Sshetty, who wowed fans with her hot performance in “DJ Tillu,” fails to create an impression here.
The technical and production values are good.
Bottom line: “Bedurulanka 2012” has an interesting plot line, offers some amusing moments but it loses steam due to lack of effective later portions.
Rating: 2.5/5
Jalapathy Gudelli
Film: Bedurulanka 2012
Cast: Kartikeya, Neha Sshetty, Ajay Ghosh, Satya, Raj Kumar Kasireddy, Srikanth Ayyengar, Ram Prasad, Goparaju Ramana, Satya, Vennela Kishore, and others
Music: Mani Sharma
Cinematography: Sai Prakash Ummadisingu, Sunny Kurapati
Editing: Viplav Nyshadam
Producer: Ravindra Benerjee Muppaneni
Written and Directed by: Clax
Release Date: Aug 25, 2023
