Extra (Ordinary Man) Review: Only for Nithiin’s comic timing!

What’s it about?

Abhi (Nithiin) works a junior artiste in Telugu films. He never appears in the forefront of any movie, but he has hope that one day he would be given the opportunity to showcase his acting prowess in a leading part.

Goddess Maisamma writes a fresh page for him when he gives up looking for roles and settles down with his rich sweetheart Lithika (Sreeleela). A director presents him with a script based on actual events that took place in a village near the boundary of Andhra and Orissa. Despite not landing the role, events start to unfold in the script’s scenic order.

Therefore, when incidents occur in accordance with the screenplay, shouldn’t he encounter the antagonist? The villain, Nero (Sudhev Nair), is a covetous businessman who has set his sights on acquiring the lands of the aforementioned village.

Analysis

Nithiin has always been adept at portraying light-hearted roles. The storyline crafted by director Vakkantham Vamshi is a perfect match for Nithiin’s persona and acting style “Extra (Ordinary Man)” showcases Nithiin’s strong skill in comic timing.

Despite the fact that the plot appears different on paper, Vakkantham is presented more like a typical commercial film, with a stronger emphasis on comedy.

The story begins when Nithiin divulges his personal history to a notorious fugitive, recounting his experiences as an ‘extra’ (junior artiste) and the funny incidents that ensued. Up until the intermission, we are entirely presented with comic moments.

Nithiin’s hilarious portrayal continually evokes entertainment, especially during the parts where he interacts with Rao Ramesh. In the second half of the film, the narrative centers around the transformation of the junior artiste into a ‘real-life hero. Nevertheless, Vakkantham’s approach remains lighthearted. This is why it is difficult to regard the film seriously in any aspect.

Even though the it keeps us entertained, towards the end we start to wonder if it really makes the cut as a legitimate commercial entertainer. That is the issue with this film.

It is genuinely Nithiin’s show in terms of performances. His comedic timing works big time. His performance to different songs that make references to Balakrishna, Vijay Deverakonda, and Pavitra Lokesh is LOL moment. Rao Ramesh, as his father, is also hilarious. Sreeleela has a restricted amount of screen time. She is present primarily for her glamour and proficiency in dance. Sudhev Nair’s portrayal as the primary antagonist is satisfactory.

The songs composed by Harris Jayaraj are visually captivating and enhanced by the vibrant cinematography and the terrific dancing performances of the main actors. The cinematography is visually opulent. The production design is also grand.

Writer and director Vakkantham Vamsi exhibits skill in handling humorous sequences, but his writing lacks the necessary vigor.

Bottom line: In “Extra Ordinary Man”, Nithiin’s comic timing is ‘extra’ special but the remaining is ordinary.

Rating: 2.5/5

Film: Extra (Ordinary Man)
Cast: Nithiin, Sreeleela, Dr. Rajasekhar, Rao Ramesh, Rohini, and others
Music: Harris Jayaraj
DOP: Arthur A. Wilson, Yuvraj J
Editor: Prawin Pudi
Production Designer: Sahi Suresh
Stunts: Vijay, Selva
Producers: N. Sudhakar Reddy, Nikitha Reddy
Written and Directed by: Vakkantham Vamshi
Release Date: Dec 08, 2023