Baanam

Debutant director Chaitanya deserves kudos for dishing out an intense cop film to give Tollywood’s latest debutants a clear edge over the rest. Rohit Narra in a scene from Baanam Interestingly, the director equates the upright work of a police officer with an idealistic Naxal when it comes to cleansing society. Film: Baanam Cast: Rohit Narra, Vedika, Sayaji Shinde Director: Chaitanya Dantaloori Critic’s Rating: Debutant actor Rohit Narra is impressive in an understated performance. Tamil actress Vedika who makes a comeback in the film, plays the innocent village belle with an effortless ease. The film is about an aspiring cop who is forced to take on the might of a local goon before he dons the khakee. The director adds a new shade to his cop story by blending the angle of an idealistic Naxal (Sayaji Shinde) who surrenders to the cops so that he can be with his son (Rohit). However, the director’s unnecessarily promotes vigilantism which could have been avoided. Nevertheless, the filmmaker gives the audience a taste of meaningful cinema without so-called commercial ingredients. Rohit gives an intense performance. Sayaji Shinde and Ranadheer are commendable. Director Chaitanya sustains the intense mood with a taut screenplay. Anil Bhandari’s camera work is good. And Manisharma’s score melodious.