Here is a blog article based on the provided transcript.
From Raid to Rod: A Critical Analysis of Harish Shankar’s Remake
A remake of the acclaimed film Raid has been released, but the final product has left many questioning its creative choices. The film is being described as a “rod” (a torturous experience) and is being unfavorably compared to recent disappointments like Ramarao on Duty. Instead of passion in the writing, the movie focuses more on glamour, dance sequences, and misplaced romantic tracks, failing to capture the essence of the original.
A Plea to Pawan Kalyan
Based on this film’s execution, a direct message is being sent to actor Pawan Kalyan regarding his upcoming project, Ustaad Bhagat Singh (UBS), with the same director. The plea is for him to shelve the project immediately. Upon his return to filmmaking, it is strongly suggested that the first thing he should do is set this particular project aside.
The Misunderstanding of Creative Criticism
There’s a notion that if a film is bad, one should only comment on the film itself and not criticize its creator. However, this logic is flawed. Consider this analogy: if you eat a poorly made chapati, do you question the chapati, or do you question the chef who made it? Obviously, you address the person responsible for the creation. Criticizing a film that is not good is not a personal attack; it is valid feedback on the work presented to the public. One must not only give but also be prepared to receive criticism.
The Challenge of Remakes and a Failure to Innovate
It is widely acknowledged that creating a remake superior to the original is a very tough job. Director Harish Shankar previously succeeded with Gabbar Singh, where he made polished changes that mesmerized even those who had seen the original. However, it is foolish to assume that the same formula will work every time. With this new remake, it feels as though minimal effort was put into adapting or polishing the content. When creators fail to innovate and rely on remakes without adding value, criticism is inevitable. Times have changed, and old formulas are no longer accepted without question.
A Stark Deviation from the Original’s Core
The original Raid was a masterclass in tension and storytelling. It established its protagonist, Patnaik, and his family within the first 30 minutes before diving straight into the high-stakes raid, proving an audience could be engaged by the core plot alone. The original hero was a subtle, duty-bound officer. He wasn’t the type to engage in song-and-dance numbers in Switzerland. His dialogue delivery was consistent with his character—a professional doing his job with a smile, no matter the obstacle. There were no gimmicky variations in his speech for comedy, punchlines, or rhymes. Sadly, the remake fails to understand this, ignoring that the original was based on the real story of India’s longest income tax raid.
Flaws in Execution, Writing, and Characterization
The film’s execution is plagued with issues. The entire first half is wasted on a frivolous romantic track with the heroine. When the narrative finally shifts to the Income Tax department’s operations, the scenes are portrayed in a childish manner. The villain is a dummy character, and the dialogues prioritize simple rhymes over powerful, impactful lines. The second half is again interrupted by another song, and even the climax isn’t spared, as it is diluted with a song sequence focused on the heroine. Adding to the confusion, the film is set against a 1980s backdrop, yet the characters are often seen in modern clothing, showing a lack of attention to detail.
Underutilized Cast and Technical Shortcomings
The film’s cast feels largely misused. The heroine, Bhagyashri, seems to have been cast primarily for her dancing skills, which she delivers, but her role offers no scope for acting. Veteran actor Jagapathi Babu is completely underutilized, appearing as though he was cast without a well-defined character. On the technical front, the music is a mixed bag. While two of the songs are good, the background score is considered poor and ineffective.
Final Verdict: An Epic Misfire
Ultimately, this film is an epic-level misfire. Instead of focusing on a strong narrative, it resorts to tired tropes like forcing in fight scenes and romantic subplots where they don’t belong. The audience, who invests their hard-earned money in a ticket, deserves better. For those considering watching this “rod” movie made in the name of a Raid remake, be prepared for a disappointing and torturous experience.
