Dalapathi Review: A twisted tale

Director Prashant Raj believed that he had a winning script with Dalapathi. Unfortunately for him, the reality is quite different. Loaded with twists, the film gets entangled in its own intentions.

Director: Prashanth Raj
Cast: Prem, Kriti Kharbanda    

The story is about Ram (Prem), who meets Vaidehi (Kriti Kharbanda), tries to woo her and succeeds. Vaidehi even goes to the extent of rejecting a marriage proposal chosen by her parents, and decides to elope with Ram. But love is cut short for her when she finds out that Ram had trapped her to please his boss, Adipathi (Sharath Lohithaswa). A twist near the interval reveals that Ram is Dalapathi, the right hand man of Adipathi, involved in many crimes. Why Dalapathi acts upon the instruction of his boss is one part of the story. Another twist comes when it is revealed that Ram also happens to be Vaidehi’s mother’s (Padmaja) brother, whom she had lost at a young age. Why Ram becomes Dalapathi and whether he will change for Vaidehi forms the rest of the story.

The screenplay fails to flow well, and the segues into the twists aren't smooth. Thankfully there are no sermons, but one wishes the film was paced better.

Dalpathi is Prem’s 25th film and the actor, who is known for his lover boy image, shows that he can shine as an action hero too. Kriti Kharbanda does not have much scope to perform in her character of a damsel in distress. Sharath Lohithaswa is unconvincing as the villain. Chikkanna’s comedy comes as a mild relief. Padmaja Rao and Srinivas Prabhu barely make an impact. 

With its length, the film wobbles, making it watchable only for those who like for Prem. As for Prashanth, the director of films like Love Guru, Gaana Bajaana and Zoom, we can only say better luck next time.