Jai Lava Kusa: NTR’s show all the way

Every child on earth strives for warmth, love and affection. If his family doesn't pay any attention to him/her, they tend to develop an inner conflict and express hatred towards others. This is when the adults should step in and make them understand the difference between good and bad.

The core idea of Jr NTR-starrer Jai Lava Kusa deals with this very point. Jai (NTR) gets bullied by his maternal uncle and brothers for his communication disorder. These unpleasant experiences never sap his confidence levels, and he rages and strives to get due recognition, no matter what. From idiolising Ravana and deriving his name from the mythological character to becoming a demon, Jai does everything to accomplish his goals. While his two brothers grow up to become the ever truthful Lava, a bank manager by profession, and the conman Kusa, who aspires to jet off to the US.

Director: K. S. Ravindra
Cast: Jr. NTR, Niveda Thomas, Raashi Khanna, Duniya Vijay, Brahmaji
 

Of late, NTR has been trying to get away from his mass hero image, and here, he has dared to attempt something wholly different even compared to his recent outings. For the first time, he plays a triple role as Jai, Lava and Kusa. Although they look identical, the trio don’t share anything in common. 

Jai Lava Kusa draws its strength from NTR who pulls off three contrasting roles with great fervour and enthusiasm. He showcases innocence, wickedness, vivacity and pathos, wonderfully striking a balance between them. He especially relishes every dialogue uttered by Jai and makes it the most enduring character he has ever played. 

Director Bobby has invested his creativity in coming up with some inspiring moments that wonderfully showcase the acting prowess of NTR. He doesn’t rely on an inventive storyline, but rather handles the narrative in a delicate way, both emotionally and contextually. The film also offers some slapstick humour, but unlike some recent movies, it doesn't end up being deafening. The story of the film has a distinctly Ramayana feel to it, reminiscent of Rama, who was exiled from Ayodhya and Bharatha who believes that the elder must lead. The track that stands out in this film is the stage play with the three brothers playing Rama, Lakshmana and Ravana to bring about an intuitive realization in Jai.

Actresses Raashi Khanna and Nivetha Thomas have smoldering presence, but their roles lack depth. Of the supporting cast, Sai Kumar makes an impression as Jai's henchman and Posani Krishna Murali is sure to keep you laughing till your stomach hurts. Ronit Roy fails to leave any impact in a mediocre role. And Tamannah’s special number doesn’t add any value to the tale.

Kona Venkat and Chakravarthy's screenplay is engaging, but Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao's editing could have been better. Devi Sri Prasad's music and background score integrate well with the narrative and don't interrupt the flow.

Jai Lava Kusa moves you and leaves you teary-eyed. Despite some minor shortcomings, this film cements Jr NTR's reputation as a powerhouse of talent.