Review: Nothing new in Dussasa

Radhika Rajamani says Dussasana is an old wine in a new bottle. Post YOUR reviews here!

There's no doubt that Telugu cinema's favourite theme is politics -- far too many Telugu movies devote their attention to this subject.

Posani Krishna Murali's Dussasana, starring Srikkanth, is the latest in this genre.

The film, as the title indicates, 'disrobes' the political system (the MLAs in particular). It makes a cause for cleansing it via the central protagonist, an unfortunate victim of the system.

In the process, the MLAs (three in particular) are taken to task for their lack of interest in public welfare; their corrupt and nefarious activities during elections are brought to light. The entire process is underlined with a lot of rhetoric.

A common man (Srikkanth) and a television journalist (Sunita) kidnap the chief minister's daughter (Sanjana). Srikkanth is shown teaching the MLAs lessons on to how to lead simple lives, be like a common man, etc. He vouches for prohibition, population control etc. He has one simple dictum: Why can't MLAs work for the people?

In the process, he makes life hell for the three MLAs he chooses to target. He takes the law into his own hands, beats them with a slipper, thrashes their henchmen till the screen is drenched in blood and gore. It's only later, through a flashback, that one realises why he resorts to such extreme behaviour.

The director has stretched the film's message with too much rhetoric and action. It's alright to talk about cleansing politics but not in the way shown on the screen; through the eyes of one man who is at the receiving end. As a result, it seems lopsided, even though the intention of the director and the character may be good. After a point, the predictability of the film makes it a monotonous watch.

Srikkanth fits his role easily and delivers his dialogues effortlessly. He does make an effort to rise above the script and fares well in some emotional scenes.

Sanjana, who appears in a Telugu film after a long gap, barely has anything to do. Ditto Tashu Kaushik. In fact, the only role they seem to have is to up the film's glamour quoitent!

Kota Srinivasa Rao, Thanikella Bharani and others do a good job.

Director Posani Krishna Murali doesn't present anything that's drastically new or unknown to the audience.

Watch this political thriller if you've got nothing else to do.

Rediff Rating: