In the recent past, there have been few Telugu movies which showed promise even before its release. Napoleon falls under this category. The trailer made the viewers sit up and take notice after the lead character was introduced as someone who loses his shadow. The posters and social media publicity further strengthened the belief that it was an unconventional flick. Ten minutes in to the movie, the audience cannot help but feel confused, curious and intrigued with the plot.
Made on low-budget, Napoleon is directed by Anand Ravi who also also makes his debut as a lead actor.
The movie starts with Napoleon approaching Police to inform them about his missing shadow. Much to the disbelief of the circle inspector, played by Ravi Verma who goes by the same reel name, Napoleon's unique situation is tested indoors and outdoors. The protagonist then tells the men in khakhi that god had appeared in his dreams and tipped him off about losing his shadow. Very soon, word spreads and media circus begins even as Napoleon is taken to hospital only to be declared healthy. As news channels start giving extensive coverage to the man with a unique problem, a lady, Sravanthi (Komali) turns up at the police station claiming that Napoleon is her husband, Ashok and also furnishes photographic evidence. However, he rubbishes her claim and introduces himself as an unmarried orphan.
The first half further picks pace after Napoleon tells the police officers that god had appeared to him in a dream and spoke about a recent murder case, which was made to look like an accident. More characters are introduced in the form of Tirupati, who is killed by unknown men and his wife, who is kidnapped by the same gang. The first half raises a lot of questions and the second half answers them. Audience will be surprised to know a sub-plot unravelling towards the climax. What is the connection between Napoleon and Tirupati? What is the significance of the shadow? Is Napoleon a superhuman? One has to sit through patiently to join the dots.
The movie makes for an interesting watch but slightly drags in the second half. The performances of actors are decent and full marks to writer turned director, Anand Ravi who dared to try something different. The movie transcends genres and is unique in its own way. The screenplay and music is above average. The screenplay could have been better but pulling off a movie with no big names in itself is a big feat.
Film: Napoleon
Director: Anand Ravi
Starring: Anand Ravi, Komali, Ravi Varma, Kedar Shankar, Madhumani
Rating: 3.5/5
