''I' Telugu Movie Review

Cast: Vikram, Amy Jackson, Suresh Gopi, Upen Patel, Santhanam, Ramkumar Ganesan, Mohan Kapoor, Ojas M Rajani and others.
Direction: Shankar
Screenplay: Shankar
Music: A. R. Rahman
Background score: A. R. Rahman
Cinematography: P. C. Sreeram
Editing: Anthony
Art direction: T Muthuraj
Stunt choreography: Anal Arasu, Peter Ming
lyrics: By Anantha Sriram, Ramajogayya Sastry & Suddala Ashok Teja
Dance choreography: Shobi
Production: Aascar Films
Distribution: Aascar Films
Producers: V. Ravichandran, D. Ramesh Babu
Run time: 188 minutes
Certificate: 'U/A'
Release dates: January 14, 2015(Tamil, Telugu); January 15, 2015(Hindi)

Behind the screens

The biggest movie in recent times, Shankar-Vikram's most awaited movie #I is finally released in theaters on eve of pongal festival. Lets us see this magical combination will reach our expectations or not?

Story:
Sanathnagar Lingesh (Vikram) aspires to become Mr.India by winning as body building championship. He works out strenuously in gym & with the help of Dr.Vasudeva Rao (Suresh Gopi) takes part in Mr.Andhra body building competition and emerges winner. However his life turns shocking turn when attracted by model Diya(Amy Jackson) and pressurised by Vasu turns as model Lee and flies to China. To find out what shock Lingesh receives enjoy 'I' on silver screen only.

Performances:

Vikram steals the show with his performance. He played 3-different characters (A Body Builder, Hunched-Deformed man & Werewolf) in balanced manner. He excelled in stunts and attracted all with different looks. He should be appreciated for his daring decision to shed his star image and sport the uglier look for most part of the movie. He gave his best to every frame.

Amy Jackson oozed with glamour in songs. She is okay as heroine. Santhanam entertained little bit with his comedy. Santhanam doesn't have much work to take the plot forward.

Veteran actor Suresh Gopi is okay as wily doctor. Upen Patel looked good as a model. He could have showed more expressions in his role. Ram Kumar Ganeshan and Ojas M. Rajani are good in their limited roles. Rest of characters are performed accordingly. 

Technical Values:
Director Shankar utterly failed to impress the audience with his magic. He used cast & crew, technical department work in good manner but main drawbacks of the film are story, runtime, screenplay and direction. Shankar failed in screen play and direction.

Though the first half is okay, second half drags as there is nothing much to offer than hero taking revenge. Shankar could have made the plot even more interesting including a second heroine in her place. Even the climax dragged with Santhanam interviewing the villains.  

The problem with 'I' is that the story becomes predictable beyond a point. The villains are weak, the love portion in China extends more than what it should have.

Music composer, A.R Rahman and Shankar combo has always worked and in 'I' too, their winning streak continues. A.R Rahman's music is good and background score elevated the scenes. 'Nuvvunte Naa Jathaga' song picturaisation is an eye feasting to audience. Lyrics By Anantha Sriram, Ramajogayya Sastry & Suddala Ashok Teja are good.

Cinematography of PC Sreeram is beautiful and spellbounding. Stunt choreography is good. Fight masters Anal Arasu and Peter ming have done an okay job. Editor Anthony could have been far better. He could have chance to trim 25-30 minutes of it's runtime. Art director T Muthuraj 's settings are just awesome. Graphics and VFX work is in top notch. Production values by Aascar films are of high standards.

Positives:
- Vikram
- Cinematography
- Music

Negatives:
- First Half
- Editing(Runtime)
- Shankar Direction
- Screenplay
- Story narration

Final Verdict:

Shankar-Vikram's most awaited film #I failed to impress the movie lovers. Shankar generated lot of pre release interest but however he failed to impress everyone.

Chiyaan Vikram has given his best to the film but the director shankar has dumped the film with poor story line. Although the story has nothing new to offer, Chiyaan Vikram’s hardwork, Cinematographer P.C Sreeram's vision, A. R Rahman's music make all the difference.

Second half is little better than first half.

Watch only for Vikram with low expectations and with your risk.

Bottomline: Strictly watchable for only Vikram.

 

Rating : 2.75/5

Review by : ManiKick