Gnapakam Movie Reviews

There are several instances where the directors used typical diseases for storyline. This time director Uppalapati Narayana Rao used schizophrenia (A severe mental disorder with delusions and hallucinations) in his film. At the same time, he used astrology and palmistry as another thread to this love story.

This is the story of how youth, who have extraordinary talents, fall in a state of depression by using their knowledge in more than one theory and attributing it to their own life. The director made yet another novel experiment by narrating the flashback in the form of an astrologer revealing the past.

Srinu (Venkateswara Rao Atluri) goes to the US to pursue higher education. Like some youth who don't want to burden their parents, Srinu also works in gas stations, restaurant during night, besides taking classes to the foreign students whenever he finds time, while continuing his regular studies. Once his cousin Pratap (Kongara Rajaram) son of Gothi Venkanna (Kota Srinivasa Rao) from the same village reaches the US in search of a job and stays with him. He is a very crooked fellow and is ready to backstab anyone for his selfish gain. Srinu meets Sarangi (Visakha Singh) daughter of a millionaire (Ahuti Prasad) at the restaurant and loses his heart.

Learning that she is interested in astrology and palmistry, Srinu studies that subject as well and earns good knowledge. Sarangi also shows interest towards Srinu and both turn lovers. Once he goes to the house his project coordinator Saba (Benarjee) where he meets another person who was doing research in palmistry and astrology. From him he comes to know that certain lines on the palm, when don't meet their love would be a failure. Incidentally, Sarangi's hand has such lines and Srinu falls in deep depression that his love would be a failure.

Though Sarangi takes him to her house and Sarangi's father agrees to their marriage, fate has its own way and Pratap hatches a plan and spoils Sarangi's mind. With Sarangi starts hating Srinu, the depressed Srinu leaves for India and gets affected with schizophrenia and is under the illusion that Sarangi is with him. Whether Srinu won the love battle? Did Sarangi realise the truth. What are the circumstances that led to their union form part of the remaining story.

Though a novice, Venkateswara Rao Atluri gave his best of his performance as a patient with schizophrenia. He got a very good opportunity to emote well in his debut film itself.

Visakha Singh, who played the female lead, also showed good acting skills. Especially, her experience in modelling and a couple of Hindi films gave her a good chance to give good performance. She is gorgeous in modern outfits.

All the songs were melodious and Sekhar Chandra's tunes are worth listening. The choreography of songs is also good to watch. Camerawork by G Krishna Murali is okay while editing by Lokesh is adequate. Jerman Town Entertainments' production values looked rich on the screen.

Cast: Venkateswara Rao Atluri, Visakha Singh, Kongara Rajaram, Nazar, Vizag Prasad, Ahuti Prasad, Benarjee, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Duvvasi Mohan, Jayalalitha, Hema and others

Credits: Music €“ Sekhar Chandra, Camera €“ G Krishna Murali, Editing €“ Lokesh, Lyrics €“ Varikuppala Yadagiri, Producer €“ Kongara Subhasini, Paturi Chakradhar, Story, Dialogues, Screenplay and direction €“ Uppalapati Narayana Rao.

Banner: Jerman Town Entertainments

Released on: April 21, 2007