Mukunda is an upcoming Telugu film written & directed by Srikanth Addala. The film was produced by Tagore Madhu and Nallamalapu Srinivas (Bujji) under the banner Leo Productions. It features Varun Tej and Pooja Hegde in the lead roles, the former making his debut in Telugu cinema. Rao Ramesh, Prakash Raj, Nassar and Brahmanandam were seen in other key roles. V. Manikandan was the film's director of photography. Mickey J Meyer composed the film's soundtrack and background score. Marthand K. Venkatesh edited the film.

Story

Mukunda (Varun Tej), a good Samaritan, helps his friend in eloping with his friend’s girl friend, who in turn is a sister of local corrupt municipal chairman (Rao Ramesh). Arjun is always on run to escape from Rao Ramesh’s brothers, and Mukunda always there to rescue him from the goons.

In this process of helping his friend’s love, Mukunda gets attracted Pooja Hegde who is younger daughter of Rao Ramesh. Once again election time arrives, Mukunda spoils Rao Ramesh’s plans and makes Prakash Raj nominee for the ward elections. Then this tends to climax. Will Arjun marry his girl friend? Will Prakash win over Rao Ramesh? forms the rest of the storyline.

Performance

Varun Tej: 'Mukunda' marks the debut of the Tallest Tollywood Hero (6'4 height) and Most Handsome Mega Hero. As expected, He is extremely good looking, have got fantastic screen presence and excels in action sequences. He, however, needs to work on his expressions and dances a lot to carry forward the Mega reputation. On a whole, He is strictly average in his debut.
 
Pooja Hedge: Apart from looking gorgeous in both traditional and modern attires, She delivers a decent performance in the movie.

Rao Ramesh:Rao Ramesh is a revelation. His menacing presence and wonderful dialog delivery takes the villain character to another level. Rao Ramesh deserves and award for this one. He is the highlight of this film.

Others:Prakash Raj character is not written well. Although there is a good conclusion to his character the buildup to it induces boredom. Raghubabu and Ali didn't provide any comic relief. Sekhar Kammula's cameo is just okay.

Plus Points

Varun Tej
Rao Ramesh's Performance
Music
Cinematography
Dialogues
Songs & Background Score

Minus Points

Direction
No breathtaking dances
Editing
Slow Pace
Placement of Songs
Second Half
Characterizations
Story

Technical

Music of Mickey J Meyer is attractive. Background score is good. Cinematography of Manikandan beautified the film. Srikanth Addala could have added some mass elements to attract mega fans. Production values are fine.

Analysis

After scoring success with an Youthful Flick 'Kotha Bangaru Lokam' and Family Entertainer 'SVSC', Srikanth Addala tests his luck at Action Genre with 'Mukunda' which also launches Varun Tej as Hero.
 
Music by Mickey J Meyer is fabulous. Its Srikanth Addala who fails to capitalize on it due to poor placement of songs. Manikandan's Cinematography is an asset to the movie. Art Direction is fine. Dialogues are well written. Fights have been composed well. Editing could have been better in the latter half. Production Values are excellent.
 
Srikanth Addala's strength lies in handling love track and family drama. In 'Mukunda', He tried to include heroism elevation scenes which were against his usual style. Poor writing and Not so impressive direction plays the spoilsport though. The fact that Hero-Heroine hardly talk to each other throughout the movie makes things worse. Some how, Srikanth ended up going off the track this time.

Box Office: 'Mukunda' released in 575 Screens Worldwide Today. Openings could be very good due the Mega-connect and Positive Pre-release Buzz. 'Mukunda' has to collect a share of Rs 22 crore for break-even. Can Varun Tej do it despite mixed/negative talk?

Final Word

Overall, Mukunda falls short of Mega Fans Expectations.