Brahmandam shines, yet a missed opportunity for star comedian’s family

Direction: RVS Nikhil

Rating: 2/5 stars

Hyderabad: Probably, ace comedian Brahmanandam wanted to re-launch his son Raju Gautam with his latest release ‘Brahma Nandam’, but failed to choose a solid plot, and a good chance was squandered.

After proving his acting mettle in a performance-based role in ‘Rangamarthanda’, Brahmanandam essays the role of a doting grandfather and stamps his class but the half-baked narration by director RVS Nikhil put paid to his plans.

His real-life son Raju Gautam made his debut two decades ago and did films like ‘Pallakkiilo Pellikuthuru’ and ‘Basanti’ but success eluded him for years.

Now, he returns as a struggling theatre artist and the struggles he encounters in his personal and professional lives are the crux of his comeback film. However, he couldn't match up with the performance of his real-life father Brahmanandam who played his grandfather in the movie and fell short in emoting.

The film starts by showing the losing charm of ‘theatre’ groups, it is slowly taken over by relationship issues and how age is no bar for love and companionship as it moves into a village. While the intentions are commendable, the storytelling goes for a toss due to varied subplots and unnecessary ideas.

However, the master of comedy, Brahmanandam, who is now the god of memes, evokes a few laughs with his comic timing but that core premise of the story-elderly couple’s blossoming romance- gets lost along the way.

Brahma (Raju Goutham) is a struggling theater artist, constantly chasing his big break. While his dreams remain just out of reach, financial struggles and an unstable love life with Tara (Priya Vadlamani) only add to his woes. Just when he lands an opportunity to stage his play at a prestigious event, he faces a major hurdle—arranging the required money.

Meanwhile, his grandfather, Anand Ram Murthy (Brahmanandam), lives in an old-age home, disconnected from his family. Seeing Brahma’s desperation, he offers to help but insists on a plan. Anand, Brahma, and his friend Giri (Vennela Kishore) embark on a journey to the village of Burradupalem, where Anand’s real intentions slowly unfold.

Why has he brought them there? What is he truly seeking? The film unravels these questions.

No doubt, Brahmanandam showed that he could ‘character roles’ that demand acting chops and he is way beyond being just a rib tickler. Raju Gautam has movements, while Vennela Kishore cracks a few jokes. Priya Vadlamani, Divija Prabhakar, and Sampath Raj have limited roles to play.

Director RVS Nikhil can rope in none other than Brahmanandam for his film and work on his role, but he didn’t focus on the overall screenplay and it is truly a ‘missed opportunity’ for the director as well as for the Brahmanandam clan.