A great comeback film for Maheshbabu after a couple of flops. Mahesh has been in London from his childhood and graduates from a university in London. He returns to India when he hears about his dad’s sudden death. His dad is the CM of AndhraPradesh and Mahesh is forced by his dad’s friend and Political advisor (Prakashraj) to succeed him. The rest of the film is about how Mahesh as a CM changes the state and against all odds wins the heart of people. It is a complete Mass political film which works mostly because the audience miss such a political leader in real life. Mahesh fits the character and is superb in his dialogue delivery and body language. Well, he has certain limitations and it is always amazing to see him pick roles that he can manage with these limitations. Koratala Siva has managed to mass elements well and has also inserted an interesting love story which works. The plot has similarities with Shankar’s Mudhalvan and Leader yet the film doesn’t bore you. Mahesh Babu’s characterisation is good. A CM with more of English roots and as someone who keeps his promises the film sticks to the basics. The interval segment and the press meet scene are a highlight. At 3hrs the film is long due to the linear and predictable narration.
