Story

Satyam (Mohanlal) comes to Hyderabad in 80’s to start a vehicle repairing garage. Like-minded people join him and work for him. Being a passionate human being, he also helps people who are troubled by goons. Over a period of time, Janatha Garage becomes a place where justice is served. Anand (NTR) is an environmental sciences student in Mumbai. He loves to conserve environment and save earth. He comes to Hyderabad on a visit and gets entangled over an issue which makes him confront with the people of Janatha Garage. Rest of the story is about what happens when two powerful and well-intended men join hands together for a noble cause!

Artists Performance
Mohan Lal & NTR: This movie belongs to Mohanlal. Mohanlal authoritatively essays the role of a people’s man. NTR’s greatness lies in letting Mohanlal dominate the film. No other Telugu star hero would have allowed such a dominant and powerful role of Mohanlal to co-exist in a story. NTR delivers as per the requirement of the script (without dominating it). His performance in interval block (showdown with Mohanlal), Rajeev Kanakala elevation episodes, Samantha break-up scene and climax makes us realise what kind of actor Telugu cinema industry proudly boasts off!

Others: There is not much of scope for heroines in this movie. Samantha and Nithya Menen have limited roles in the movie and gave nice performances. Kajal Agarwal sizzled in an item song. Rajiv Kanakala gets a memorable role in this film as a sincere government employee. Ajay makes an impact as a member of Janatha Garage team. Sachin Khedekar portrays the role of real estate tycoon and villain of the film. Somehow, his character is not strong enough. Unni Mukundan plays the role of Mohanlal’s son. Sai Kumar gets a meaty role of a sympathetic cop and does it with command. Vennela Kishore’s comic cameo is a letdown.

Technical departments

Story - screenplay - direction: Koratala Siva who is a strong writer has written characters with substance. The basic plot finds a strong influence in Godfather/Sarkar with a triangular character play of a father (people’s man) with a bad son and a good heir. But the story runs on a predictable mode. Though the characterizations are well written, the conflict angle is not powerful enough to make the drama work. I liked the way he brought the real emotion with government office episode (entire episode involving Rajeev Kanakala) followed by title song which carries a lot of emotion. However, the whole villain angle and the way son is defected from the family doesn’t make an impact. It also affected the overall impact of the climax and pre-climax.

Other departments: Songs scored by Devi Sri Prasad are good. The best song in the film is the title song as it comes at the right time with right emotion. Apple Beauty and Pakka Local songs are meant for masses. Rock On Bro song doesn't give desired result on screen. Background music makes an impact. Cinematography by Thiru is good with rustic charm. Dialogues written by Koratala Siva in key scenes are superb. Art direction by AS Prakash is nice (especially Janatha Garage set). Producers have spent a lot on production of the film and it shows on the screen.

Analysis: First half of the film runs in a passive mode till the leads meet at interval. Second half has a few engaging scenes, but becomes flat as climax approaches. A film of this type (lacking entertainment (comedy) and glamour (romance)) needs an extremely good emotional impact to work well with audiences. Plus points of the film are NTR, Mohanlal and characterizations. On the flipside, an engaging conflict point and emotionally charged climax/pre-climax is missing. We have to wait and see how this film coming from a director of two blockbusters and an actor who delivered two good recent films fare at box office!