"HOMAM" Movie Review

Homam is an Indianized version of The Departed. Of course, even the Hollywood one is based on the Hong Kong hit Infernal Affairs. But some people buy remake rights, some don't. Anyways, Dicaprio and Damon they may not be, but Jagapathi Babu and Chakravarthy have given credible performances-barring one scene, and that's towards the end. It does drag in the end, and overall Chakravarthy's Telugu directorial debut can be just said to be 'not bad'.

Jagapathi Babu and Mamta MohandasPlot Chandu is a police inspector who actually works for 'Daddy', the head of the city's crime beat. Mallik is an undercover cop in Daddy's empire. Daddy's bane is the commissioner and Mallik's mentor, Vishwanath. When he busts Daddy's criminal deal the umpteenth time, Daddy in his rage tells him he has a stooge in the police team there. Vishwanath, not to be outdone, informs him he has an undercover cop in his team. Both Chandu and Mallik are in danger.

Story, Screenplay and Direction You can't compare it with any of its predecessors. Now that's out of the way, Homam has an interesting 'break twist', a pacy second half and a 30-minute climax drag. Sums it up. Chakravarthy's real directorial debut, as one of the directors of the short stories in DZH was actually the best of the lot. RGV makes his presence felt in Chakravarthy's direction and his tone. This is another Scorsese's Bhakt. Or Scorsose's Bhakt's Bhakt.

There are two types of copies, as discussed in CG's Copycat Crown series. This one doesn't insult the original at least. It's a tolerable copy of an excellent movie. The typical Telugu-isms don't escape it though. Before the multiplex audience groans 'not again' to another copy, Homam has average direction and a likeable cast of actors.

The rest of the frills, like songs or women are neglected. For some reason, the director also gave the music, which obviously sounds ameaturish. The title track catches your attention. Mallik's agony at being undercover is covered well, although his expression remains stony throughout. The little epilogue after the titles seems unnecessary.

Jagapathi BabuPerformances It's a good comeback for Chakravarthy, although he succumbs to some hamming right at the end. Jagapathi Babu with his rugged looks and unshaven stubble suits the role of an undercover cop pretty well. And he does a good job too. Manjrekar as 'Daddy' continues his Okkadunnadu act, once again cast as a ruthless and eccentric don. The cast was a huge asset for the Hollywood flick, it's remake has some key characters in fitted roles. The entire henchmen team of Daddy from ETV Prabhakar who identifies cops in mufti to his hollow-eyed friend who sprouts English proverbs for mutual benefit work out well. Pradeep Rawat, in one rare positive role, shines. The girls? Hmm, dunno. Didn't notice them, neither in the movie nor in the hall.

Song and Dance Mediocre.

Last Word Just an average watch and only if you haven't seen the original. Otherwise you'll spend your entire time comparing. And criticizing.

End Credits

Starring : Jagapathi Babu, Mamta Mohandas, JD Chakravarthy, Pradeep Rawat, Mahesh Manjrekar, Madhurima, MS Narayana, Brahmaji, Raja Ravindra and Others.

Action: Selva.
Art: Satya Srinivas.
Background Music: Amar Mohile.
Choreography: Sabina Khan.
Cinematography: Bharani K. Dharan.
Dialogues: Kona Venkat.
Editing: Bhanodaya.
Lyrics: Suddala Ashokteja.
Music: Nithin-JD Chakravarthy.
Production Designer: Suman Varma.
Story, Screenplay & Direction : JD Chakravarthy.
Producer: Kiran Kumar Koneru.
Banner: Shreya Productions.
Release Date: 28th August, 2008.