Cast: Balakrishna, Manchu Manoj, Manchu Lakshmi, Sonu Sood and others
Director: Sekhar Raja
Producer: Lakshmi Manchu
Music: Bobo Sashi
Cinematography: Rajasekhar
Editing: MR Varma
Banner: Manchu Entertainments
Release date: July 27, 2012

UKUP review, UKUP movie review, uu kodathara ulikki padathara review, uu kodathara ulikki padathara Movie review, UKUP rating: After 'Mr Nookayya' Rocking Star Manchu Manoj is arriving with his dream project 'Uu Kodathara Ulikki Padathara'. Nata Simha Nandamuri Balakrishna has done a special pivotal role in this action thriller. Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna has produced 'UKUP' on Manchu Entertainments banner and debutant Sekhar Raja is the director. Check out 'Uu Kodathara Ulikki Padathara' (UKUP) review to know the fate of Manchu Manoj's dream project.

Story:

The story of Uu Kodathara Ulikki Padathara (UKUP) revolves around a palatial house (Gandharva Mahal). Narasimha Rayudu (Balakrishna) is the head of the Rudrapaneni family and is very fond of his Gandharva Mahal and he treats it as a monument and as a symbol of his fore fathers. Phanindra Bhupathi (Sonu Sood) marries Narasimha Rayudu's sister for the Gandharva Mahal and eliminates her to marry his mole Amrutha Valli (Lakshmi Manchu). Narasimha Rayudu kills Phanindra Bhupati and insists that Gandharva Mahal should be respected and if anybody who tries to spoil its reputation will be awarded the same treatment and dies. What happens next, who will take care of the mahal and how it will be protected from the evil forms the rest of the story.

Analysis:

The first half of the film is laced with some funny scenes, emotion and a powerful interval bang. The comedy episodes between Manchu Manoj, Dharmavarapu Subrahmanyam, Prabhas Srinu and others are hilarious. Especially, the number game Manoj plays with them has been received well. Deeksha Seth makes a gorgeous entry as a doll and the scenes between her and Manchu Manoj are etched well. The episode Deeksha Seth and and her gang of friends tries to threaten Manoj as devils is funny. Director Sekhar Raja could have handled the first half well as Manchu Manoj's characterization was not imbibed properly in the story and leads you to unnecessary confusion. Though, Manchu Manoj's energy levels and performance is good, it's so boring to see him playing a negative role quite frequently in the recent times. The goes flat till pre interval and catches the momentum when Balakrishna makes his appearance as Narasimha Rayudu. His presence as Narasimha Rayudu is decent and is the soul of 'Uu Kodathara Ulikki Padathara'.

The second half of UKUP drags a bit and goes on a predictable note. The screen presence of Balakrishna is approximately 30 minutes and he delivers a spine chilling performance. The song 'Anaganaga' shot on him is the highlight of the film. It was easily understood why the makers of UKUP have roped in Balakrishna whenever he appears on screen. Truly, he played his part with elan and his dialogue delivery, body language and his powerful mannerisms will make his fans to erupt with joy. Manchu Lakshmi steals the show in the climax episode with her amazing performance. The last 30 minutes of the film is exhilarating following wonderful show from Balakrishna and Lakshmi Manchu.

TeluguOne Perspective:

Movies like 'Uu Kodathara Ulikki Padathara' need a gripping screenplay and a convincing storyline to meet the expectations. But, here in this case, the director falls short of the ideas and served a half baked story with his amateurish directorial abilities thus making the audience feel bored most of the times. The screenplay is shoddy and the presence of Balakrishna couldn't even help it to regain the lost momentum. The narrative style is also confusing as overlapping scenes have been used to further the story. Producer Lakshmi Manchu has made the movie with huge budget and the director failed live up to the hype . UKUP will meet with a mixed response as one section of the audience will love it and the other section will find it ordinary. And given the budget of the movie and its lovely start at the box office, let's hope it crosses the average mark, thanks to the presence of Balakrishna.

Performances:

Balakrishna's performance is first rate and his skills be it in diction, mannerisms, action episodes are praise worthy. Manchu Manoj is very different in his looks and his performance is OK. Deeksha Seth is lovely and has nothing much to do. Manchu Lakshmi is terrific and has lived in the character. Bhanuchandar, Prabhu, Dharmavarapu Subrahmanyam, etc are OK.

Technicalities:

Direction by debutant Sekhar Raja is poor and failed to engage the audience with a contriving screenplay. Bobo Sashi's music is a big let down except for a couple of songs. The background score by Chinna is refreshing though. Cinematography by Rajasekhar is extraordinary. Editing by Varma is very different in style from what one is use to seeing. Gandharva Mahal set is fantastic and the Production values of Manchu Entertainments are grand.

Positives:
Balakrishna's presence
Background score

Negatives:
Contrived screenplay
Music
Poor direction

Final word: Watch Uu Kodathara Ulikki Padathara if you love to see Balakrishna sporting a different role.

UKUP Rating: 3/5