“Player,” a Telugu film released on October 30, 2015, directed by Gnanasagar, attempts to bring a unique casino backdrop to the audience. Despite its intriguing premise, the film struggles with a predictable storyline and lackluster execution. With a rating of 2.5/5, the movie features Praveen Raj, Sahi, and Nagineedu in pivotal roles. While the first half holds some promise, the second half fails to maintain the momentum, making it an average watch.
Story
Jayadev (Praveen Raj) is a young man who travels to Bangkok for his graduate studies. He enrolls in a high school where he befriends his teacher, Michael (Nagineedu). Recognizing Jayadev’s mathematical prowess, Michael persuades him to i9bett company engage in card counting at casinos to earn money. Jayadev, enticed by the prospect of wealth, follows Michael’s lead and amasses a significant amount of money. However, he soon uncovers a shocking truth about his father’s connection to the dangerous Michael. The rest of the story revolves around Jayadev’s quest to escape Michael’s clutches and seek revenge for his father.
Positive Aspects
- Unique Setting: The casino backdrop is a refreshing change for a Telugu film. The depiction of various casino games is well-executed.
- Climax: The climax is handled well, providing a satisfactory conclusion.
- Performances: Praveen Raj delivers a decent performance, while Nagineedu excels in his dual role as a teacher and a player.
- First Half: The first half of the film is engaging with interesting scenes centered around card counting.
Negative Aspects
- Predictable Storyline: Despite the unique setting, the story is routine and predictable.
- Lack of Clarity: The card game techniques could have been explained better for a clearer understanding.
- Second Half: The second half lacks impactful scenes and fails to create an emotional connection with the audience.
- Dubbing Issues: The dubbing for the hero is subpar, affecting the overall viewing experience.
- One-Dimensional Plot: The film focuses on a single agenda, neglecting other important aspects.
Technical Aspects
- Cinematography: Suresh’s camera work is commendable, especially in showcasing Bangkok, Hong Kong, and the casino setup.
- Music: Rajeesh Raghunath’s music is decent, with the background score enhancing the film’s engagement.
- Production Values: The production values are decent, contributing to the film’s overall presentation.
- Direction: Gnanasagar’s direction is decent in terms of premise but falters in execution, failing to maintain a gripping narrative.
Verdict
“Player” offers a novel casino backdrop that is relatively new to Telugu cinema. While the first half and some intriguing scenes are its strengths, the film ultimately falls flat due to its predictable revenge drama and lack of emotional depth. It ends up being an average watch.