A more focused approach to the first part and better handling of the Naxal subplot could have improved the overall outcome of the film.
Naveen Gandhi's directorial 'Lambasingi'. (X)
Bharat Raj is a newly recruited police constable posted in the remote naxal-ridden agency area of Lambasingi.
He falls for a girl Haritha (Divi Vaidhya), who turns out to be the daughter of the Naxal leader Konappa who just gave up the Maoist movement to lead a peaceful life.
When the local MLA gets killed in a landmine attack during a bhumi pooja, the focus shifts to the Naxals.
During the sentry duty at the police station, Veerababu is attacked by Naxals who steal away the weapons. He watches in shock as his love interest Haritha leads the burglary from the front.
What does Veerababu do to save the honour of the police department? What fate awaits him in the process? — is the story.
Bharath Raj and Divi Vadthya in ‘Lambasingi’ poster. (X)
It is a great idea for the director to chronicle an event that happened in the life of a police constable. Lambasingi tells a straightforward love story and explores the challenges they face amid the backdrop of police-Naxal conflict.
While films on the Naxal struggles were once popular, back in the late 90s, recent flicks on the subject have struggled to strike a chord with audiences.
The initial part of Lambasingi focuses on the romance between the lead characters. The backdrop of a policeman pursuing a girl adds a fresh dimension.
Director Naveen Gandhi skillfully highlights the beauty of the Lambasingi area, providing audiences with a visually good experience.
The juxtaposition of the love story and the picturesque scenery offers viewers a double treat. However, the depth of the one-sided love could have been explored further in the first half.
The interval twist serves as the movie’s main play-up. Here is when the drama slowly transitions from a lighthearted tone to a serious one.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn with a bomb blast targeting the MLA.
‘Lambasingi’ is a romantic drama. (X)
In the second half, the story shifts entirely to the forest setting, where the love story between the two protagonists gains momentum.
Against police attacks, the film delves deeper into emotional moments and feel-good elements.
Thrilling action sequences punctuate the narrative and enhance the impact of the love episodes, which remain consistently impressive throughout.
The songs featuring the female lead Divi Vaidhya add a touch of glamour to the film.
There is an occasional comedy between the lead pair, but there’s room to amplify the comedy throughout.
As the story progresses towards the climax, emotions intensify, and end in a heart-wrenching twist.
However, an abrupt, ghastly ending should have been avoided by the director. You may feel that an alternative climax could have elevated the story further.
The Naxal backdrop adds depth to the narrative. Makers should have slightly reduced episodes related to the Maoist activities and focused more on the love story, which would have made Lambasingi even more entertaining.
Adjusting the balance between these elements could have taken the movie to a whole new level.
Director Naveen Gandhi aims to revive the genre by infusing commercial elements into the story. By prioritising the love story and incorporating other elements around it, he plays it safe and tries to strike a balance that would appeal to a wider audience.
Best wishes to the #Lambasingi team✨
In cinemas now!
DI: #Ashwath
Sound Mix: #KrishnamRaj
CTO: @CVRao74 @BharatRaj0921 @DiviActor @naveengandhidir @kalyankrishna_k #RRDhruvan #KBujji #ConceptFilms @adityamusic pic.twitter.com/3shCedsOA0— Annapurna Studios (@AnnapurnaStdios) March 15, 2024
Divi Vadthya demonstrates her talent in the role of a Naxal with great ease while effortlessly portraying various shades.
Her co-star Bharat Raju, who plays the role of Veerababu, does a convincing job as a young police recruit who falls for a village girl.
Vamsi Raj Nekkanti, as a Maoist Dalam leader, is brilliant.
Character artiste Janardthan, as the owner of the timber depot, is entertaining.
Other supporting cast chip in well.
The music by RR Dhruvan is convincingly good. The soundtrack elevates the overall viewing experience.
The songs seem okay while the background score enhances the emotional impact of crucial scenes in the second half.
The cinematography by K Bujji is rich and visually good. The way he captures the beauty of the Lambasingi area is breathtakingly fresh.
The editing by K Vijayvardhan could have been more crisp.
Despite being a small-scale production and low budget, director Naveen Gandhi manages well in helming Lambasingi. However, a few inconsistencies in terms of pace persisted.
A more focused approach to the first part and better handling of the Naxal subplot could have improved the overall outcome of the film.
Nevertheless, the idea with which the story went about should be lauded.
(Views expressed here are personal.)
May 03, 2024
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