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Jersey links:
• Gowtam Tinnanuri interview (E)
• Nani interview (T)
• Shraddha Srinath interview (T)
• Pre release function
• Press meet
• Photos
• Posters
• First look
• Movie launch
Jeevi
rating: 3.5/5
Punchline: An emotional journey
Genre: Sports
Type: Straight
Banner: Sithara entertainments
Runtime: 160 minutes
Censor Certificate: U
Release date: 19 April, 2019
Theater watched: Screen 6, Prasads multiplex, Hyderabad
Cast: Nani, Shraddha Srinath, Satyaraj, Rao Ramesh, Master Ronith, Shishir Sharma, Sampath Raj, Praveen .etc
Music: Anirudh Ravichander
Cinematographer: Sanu Varghese
Art: Avinash Kolla
Lyrics: Krishna Kanth (KK) & Brodha V
Editor: Navin Nooli
Story, Sreenply, dialogues & direction: Gowtam Tinnanuri
Producer: Suryadevara Naga Vamsi
Jersey links: |
Arjun (Nani) is a highly talented cricket batsman who plays for Hyderabad Ranji team in 1980’s. He quits cricket after getting frustrated of not being selected to Indian team. He is in love with Sarah (Shraddha Srinadh) and marries her. He gets a job in sports quota, but loses it on corruption charges. They have a kid who is also interested in cricket. Rest of the story is all about how he wins over the demons inside and plays cricket again.
Actors: Nani plays a character of a talented guy who is frustrated with system. It’s a character of many dimensions and Nani plays it to perfection. An award-winning performance, in deed. Shraddha Srinath is exceptionally good as a woman who is frustrated with inactive husband who doesn’t do anything to help the family. Master Ronith who played son of Nani is adorable and acted really well. Satyaraj is good as a doting coach for Nani. Rao Ramesh did a cameo as a lawyer. Sampath Raj is convincing as a coach. Shishir Sharma is convincing as Mumbai coach. A little care should have been taken regarding his dubbing. Praveen is good among the friends characters. All other actors are cast well.
Story - screenplay - direction: Director Gowtham Tinnanuri who proved himself with his first content based film Malli Raava comes up with a solid story for Jersey. The film is about sacrifice and bonding with the family. No deliberate effort is put to adhere to commercial elements. It’s pure writer’s film aided by terrific performances. The hero characterization might look as loser to start with. But there is a twist to the film during the end which makes the character of the film the noblest one. Gowtham uses cricket as just a backdrop, but focuses more on family bonding which results in human triumph. Director has taken some time to establish characters and then excels in involving us into narration. We had never seen cricket is being so finely represented and shot on Telugu screen before. Screenplay of the film is very good.
Other departments: Songs scored by Anirudh are excellent. We don't remember any song in particular when you come out of theater because songs were so effectively used to narrate story. Background music is also excellent and enhances the feel/emotions. Cinematography by Sanu John Varughese is equally brilliant. He has captured emotions of actors and magnificence of cricket grounds equally well. Dialogues are excellent and are emotionally moving. Editing by Navin Nooli is crisp. Art direction by Avinash Kolla is very good as he brings back the vintage 80’s (young Sachin and Kapil Dev cutouts and Chiranjeevi clippings from newspapers). Production standards by Sithara Entertainments are grand.
Analysis: Making such a content-oriented film without regular commercial elements is a risky proposition. But, director takes the risk and comes up with a very good output with the help of fine performances by actors and excellent contributions by technicians. Nani’s brilliant performance, Gowtham’s solid direction, engaging screenplay, realistic presentation and exceptional music/cinematography contribution make Jersey a must watch! Go for it!!