"Martin Luther King" is a political satire film directed by "Puja Kolluru" and starring "Sampoornesh Babu" in the titular lead role. The movie also stars Naresh, Sharanya Pradeep, and Venkatesh Maha in supporting roles. It's bankrolled by YNOT Studios, Reliance Entertainment, and Mahayana Motion Pictures. Music was given by Smaran Sai. Cinematography by Deepak Yaragera. It's an adoption of the Tamil film Mandela starring Yogi Babu. Since it's a remake Let's see whether the makers have changed anything or They just made a mirror copy.
The film revolves around a bootmaker named Smile (Sampoornesh Babu), Who lives in a village divided by two warring groups on caste and politics. He is a man with no identity, name, or voting rights until he gets a voter ID in the name of Martin Luther King. His single vote becomes crucial for the two rival candidates, Jagjivan Ram (Naresh) and Lokamanya Tilak (Venkatesh Maha), who are competing for the sarpanch post. The film showcases how Smile's life changes after he gets the power to vote and how he uses it. To know the answer we have to watch the film.
Thumbs Ups -
Firstly, Even though it's a remake the makers didn't change the core of the subject which is appreciable. Sampoornesh Babu's effortless smile makes everyone think he justified the character. His innocence brings the same emotion to the audience that he's having in the movie. Saranya Pradeep performed well as a postal employee and the scenes involving her as Vasantha and Smile are decent.
Naresh's performance is notable as he is the only renowed artist in the movie. His presence adds some value to the movie. Coming to Venkatesh Maha's performance, it's a surprise for the audience. His body language is a plus for his acting. The actor who portrayed the role of village head did well and he carried out that role effortlessly.
The movie team added some engaging stuff to the movie- The role played by Naresh resembles the character of Jagan Mohan Reddy, Using the blue flags and kissing their supporters while saying "NenuUnnanu."
On the other hand, the role played by Venkatesh Maha resembles the character of Nara Lokesh, Using the yellow flags and saying his trending dialogue "Thiyyagundhi." Makers also added some light pink color to the flags suggesting the maker's deliberate intention to show the political side of both Telugu-speaking states.
Thumbs Down -
The movie plot is neat and thought-provoking as well. But what lacking is the narration. The first half goes at a slow pace without any engaging dialogues or scenes. Compared to the first half, the second half is a bit engaging but still, there are also so many repetitive scenes which is an added disadvantage.
The director should have written the characters of Naresh and Venkatesh Maha strongly which may resulted in the seriousness that is lacking here. She could have written more hard-hitting dialogues to provoke the importance of the vote. There are moments where the plot looks forced, it could have been dealt with more care to make the drama work.
Technical Aspects -
The songs and the background score by Smaran Sai are okay. The Camera work by Deepak is good. The editing work by the director is also an okaish work. she could have done better. Coming to the direction- Even though she is a debutant director she did her job neatly but she failed to narrate the first half engagingly.
Verdict -
On the whole, Apart from the pacing issues the film has a neat concept. The team added some real-time incidents that are still happening in rural India, which is appreciable. Even though it's a political satire don't look out for one hundred percent fun. It's a film every one to watch to know the value of "vote" and it is meaningful.
Rating - 3/5