Movie : Erra Bus
Rating :3/5
Cast: Dasari, Vishnu Manchu, Catherine
Directed by: Dasari Narayana Rao
Produced by: Dasari
Banner: Tharaka Prabhu Films
Music by: Chakri
Release Date: 2014-11-14
Erra Bus, the remake of Tamil film Manjapai, garnered many special elements which naturally created curiosity. Actor-director Dasari Narayana Rao, who was busy with politics, has returned to movies, donned makeup after a longtime and of course wielded megaphone. The film happens to be his 151th film and it turned out to be more special when Vishnu Manchu, scion of versatile actor Mohan Babu, teamed up with Dasari. Given that Mohan Babu and Dasari combo delivered several successful and acclaimed films, there has been attention towards Dasari and Vishnu’s first ever combination. Let’s check our verdict whether Erra Bus lived up to all its expectations or not.
Story :
It’s a simple tale of grandfather (Dasari) and grandson Rajesh (Vishnu Manchu) focusing on human emotions, bonding between Thata-Manavadu. While Rajesh, a software engineer aspiring to go to US, he decided to spend 3 months with his doting grandfather in the city. In between Rajesh falls for a girl Raji (Catherine) and so Raji. As grandfather arrives to his place, then Rajesh’s life takes several dramatic turns and troubled waters start in his life, including his love life, because of his grandpa’s village habitat. How did Rajesh handle the turn of events and how did his grandpa cope with it form the crux of the story.
Performances:
Dasari Narayana Rao: Dasari fits the bill in the role of grandfather hailing from village. His typical village nuances tickle funny bone at times and also bring tears at other portions.
Vishnu Manchu: Vishnu has yet again proved his mettle. He owned the character as an urban software engineer. His subtle acting and matured performance rescues the film at several portions and keep us hook to the film.
Catherine: Catherine is just filler in the film. She just did her part, shook legs with Vishnu Manchu and partly revved up glam factor in the film. Albeit, she doesn’t come out of flying colours through the film.
Others: Actor Raghu Babu is definitely a surprise package in the film. Raghu Babu as Wire (electrician) played a decent role and engages you to the film. Senior actors like Nassar are just okay. And Murali Mohan made a blink-and-miss cameo in the film.
Technical aspects:
Cinematography is good and Chakri’s music is passable. Namasivaya song is treat to watch. Interestingly, after longtime lyrics are neat and understandable. However, editing is a big thumbs down as there were several unnecessary scenes.
Thumbs Up
Vishnu Manchu
Thumbs Down
Brahmanandam’s comedy
Slow-pace
Editing
Heavy dose of sentiment
Analysis:
First things first, remakes are not so easy to handle. Although it was a proved story, it comes with a certain baggage and expectations. Erra Bus reminds you the same as the movie fails to live up to the buzz it created. At the same time, it’s not a bad film either. There were a handful of scenes which bring smile on your face and also make you cry.
Like we said before, Vishnu Manchu rescues the film with his subtle emotions and matured performance. The scenes involving Vishnu and Dasari and Catherine makes for a decent watch and especially Dasari playing spoilsport for Vishnu’s love is engaging. Towards the end, Dasari’s performance thugs ones hearts.
But too much of melodrama, heavy dose of sentiment dampens the film to the hilt. Comedy scenes with Brahmanandam and MS Narayana misfired in a big way. They could have been avoided. At the same time, placement of songs clearly interrupts films narrative. All in all, Erra Bus is a putrid copy of Manjapai. It’s just one-time watch provided if you’re great lover of sentiments and human emotions.
Verdict: One-time watch if you are diehard fan of sentiments!
