What’s it about?
Shiva Kumar (Naresh), a police officer who is married to Aparna (Mirnaa), is a man of duty. Their relationship is strained because of his police work. While he is on way to Warangal to drop his wife and daughter at his in-laws’ home, an accident occurs, severely injuring him and leaving his wife and child missing. What happened to them? How did they vanish from an accident scene?
When Shiva Kumar investigates the disappearances, he uncovers a shocking scam.
Analysis
After the success of “Naandi,” Naresh and director Vijay Kanakamedala reunite for another film, “Ugram,” which focuses on the theme of disappearances. For a missing-person mystery to be suspenseful, the reveal or motivation at the end must be shocking or unique. However, there is nothing of the sort in Toom Venkat’s story, which is loosely inspired by Hollywood movie “Fractured (2019”.
“Ugram” is a lengthy drama but literally presents two different halves in a film. In addition, the first half of the film is presented by director Vijay Kanakamedala in the style of a standard police drama. Everything we’ve come to expect from a police procedural exists here as well. However, this part holds our interest as the question of how did his family go missing from an accident scene.
What lengths will a police officer go to when members of his own family go missing? It all comes down to this in the second half. As previously stated, the latter portion differs from what we saw before.
Though the main point is to find the hero’s wife and daughter, the second half focuses on other issues that appear illogical. Furthermore, the hero becomes a regular commercial hero from this point forward. He fights Hijras (recall a Lawrence film), traps a gang (similar to “Rakshasudu”), and wakes up even after being stabbed to near death, and so on. The conclusion appears to be straight out of a typical commercial hero film. Furthermore, the big reveal is clichéd.
This is why the two halves of the film are so dissimilar.
Unlike “Naandi,” “Ugram” is produced on a large scale, with an emphasis on action rather than emotion. Despite the director’s and lead actor’s best efforts, the film is unsatisfying to watch.
Naresh has done the best. He gives an incredibly convincing performance. His efforts are evident. He has once again demonstrated his versatility. Mirnaa plays the stereotypical wife. Shatru stands out among the other actors. Indraja’s role is ridiculous.
Srichran Pakala has given the best output among the technicians. His background score is fantastic and holds our attention in many places. The cinematography and production values are excellent.
Bottom line: “Ugram” has presented Naresh in an intense avatar. However, the entire plot of “Ugram” is a mashup of various cop dramas. Although it has some interesting sequences and keeps our attention in the first half, the second half looks completely different and lacks engaging quality.
Rating: 2.5/5
By Jalapathy Gudelli
Film: Ugram
Cast: Allari Naresh, Mirnaa, Baby Uha Reddy, Indraja, Shatru, and others
Story: Toom Venkat
Dialogue: Abburi Ravi
Music: Sri Charan Pakala
DOP: Siddharth J
Editor: Chota K Prasad
Production Designer: Brahma Kadali
Producers: Sahu Garapati & Harish Peddi
Screenplay and Direction: Vijay Kanakamedala
Release Date: May 05, 2023
