Rey Telugu Movie Review and Rating

Summary

"Rey," directed by Y. V. S. Chowdary, is a Telugu film that hit the screens on March 27, 2015. Starring Sai Dharam Tej, Shraddha Das, and Saiyami Kher, the movie revolves around a pop star competition with a backdrop set in Jamaica and America. Despite its energetic performances and vibrant music, the film struggles with weak narration and an overextended runtime, earning a mixed rating of 2.75 out of 5.

Storyline

Jenna (Shraddha Das) is a renowned pop artist who has clinched the title of Best Pop Star for two consecutive years. Meanwhile, Amrutha (Saiyami Kher), an aspiring pop star, enrolls in a music academy in Jamaica. There, she encounters Rock (Sai Dharam Tej), a spirited individual whom she persuades to participate in a global pop star competition in America. Amrutha has a hidden agenda for entering the competition and uses Rock as her stepping stone. The story unfolds as we discover Rock's motivations and whether he will help Amrutha achieve her goal.

Highlights

Positive Aspects

• Sai Dharam Tej's Performance: Sai Dharam Tej delivers an electrifying performance, showcasing high energy levels and impressive dance moves.
• Shraddha Das: Shraddha Das excels in her negative role, adding glamour and depth to her character.
• Supporting Cast: Veteran actors like Tanikella Bharani, Rajesh, and Hema provide solid support, enhancing the film's overall appeal.
• Climax: The climax, featuring an 11-minute dance sequence, is a visual treat for dance enthusiasts.

Negative Aspects

• Weak Narration: The film suffers from a lack of engaging elements and fails to captivate the audience.
• Pacing Issues: After the first 30 minutes, the film slows down with unnecessary scenes, affecting its overall flow.
• Chemistry: The chemistry between the lead pair is lacking, and Saiyami Kher's character feels underdeveloped.
• Length: The film's extended runtime tests the audience's patience, and some songs and dialogues feel misplaced.

Technical Aspects

• Cinematography: Gunasekharan's cinematography is top-notch, beautifully capturing the Caribbean islands.
• Editing: The editing could have been tighter, as the film's length is a significant drawback.
• Music: Chakri's music is lively and adds a positive effect to the film.
• Direction: Y. V. S. Chowdary's innovative approach is commendable, but the execution falls short in maintaining interest.

Verdict

"Rey" showcases Sai Dharam Tej's potential to make a mark in the industry. The film's interesting backdrop, energetic climax, and impressive dance sequences are its main strengths. However, the weak narration and excessive length hinder its overall impact, making it a film primarily targeted at the youth.

Interesting Stats

• Box Office Performance: "Rey" had a moderate box office performance, grossing around ₹10 crores in its opening week. Source
• Music Impact: Chakri's soundtrack for "Rey" was well-received, with the song "Pyar Mein Padipoya" becoming particularly popular among fans. Source
• Sai Dharam Tej's Debut: "Rey" marked the debut of Sai Dharam Tej, who later went on to become a notable actor in the Telugu film industry. Source

Conclusion

"Rey" is a film with a mix of highs and lows. While it offers some memorable performances and vibrant music, it falls short in terms of storytelling and pacing. Fans of Sai Dharam Tej and dance enthusiasts might find it worth a watch, but it may not appeal to a broader audience.

For more detailed reviews and insights into Telugu cinema, check out The Hindu and IndiaGlitz.