Taxiwala
Cast: Vijay Deverakonda, Priyanka Jawalkar, Malavika, Madhu Nandan, Chammak Chandra, Kalyani and others
Director: Rahul Sankrityan
Vijay Deverakonda is a big craze in Tollywood, especially among the youth, and his film Taxiwala released recently. Though it was to be released long back, it was delayed because of some graphic work. Rahul Sankrityan is making his debut as director while Priyanka Jawalkar is making her debut as the female lead.
Shiva (Deverakonda) comes to Hyderabad in search of a job and settles as a cab driver. He buys a second-hand vintage car from a rich businessman (Sujju) for a cheap price and uses it as his cab.
After a few days of driving, he suspects some supernatural activities in the car. He discovers the presence of a spirit in the car, and his life changes dramatically.
The story takes a new twist when a doctor (Uttej) travels in the cab and is killed by the spirit. Wanting to know more about the doctor, Shiva begins enquiring about the owner who sold him the car and finds interesting facts about the spirit. The crux of the story revolves around it.
Telugu cinema has seen many innovative and concept-based films recently and Sankrityan has come up with another concept based film. The director has taken a small point where a young man shifts to Hyderabad to get a job and help his brother’s family. The film is completely dependent on the director’s screenplay and the narration. The first half is entertaining with scenes between Vijay Deverakonda, Madhu Nandan and new guy Vishnu. There are also a couple of romantic scenes between Vijay and Priyanka Jawalkar that come out well.
The second half reveals the flashback and though the climax is bit of a drag, the emotional content works well. Actually the film started two years back (Vijay signed this one after Pelli Choopulu) when he was not a big star, and its release now is definitely helping both the actor and the director.
When it comes to the performance, Vijay Deverakonda has once again done a neat job. He looks young and charming and fits the role. Actually he has carried the film on his shoulders and this concept definitely works for him. Priyanka Jawalkar is looking good and it’s a good debut for her as well. Though Malavika Nair does a cameo, she plays a crucial role and does justice to it. Madhu Nandan and new guy Vishnu get bigger roles and they provide enough laughs and good entertainment. Kalyani, Yamuna and Uttej appear in cameo. Sijju as villain is good.
The background score by Jakes Bejoy definitely helps the film get into the right mood. The cinematography by Sujith Sarang is another highlight of the film. Though made with limited budget, the photography is excellent and all the scenes are natural. The artwork also merits mention.
Taxiwala is a good concept-based film with thrills, entertainment and some engaging moments. It’s a script-based film and it is good to see that another young director Rahul Sankrityan has entered Telugu cinema with an innovative idea. Another good success for Vijay Deverakonda.
