Rayalseema Ramanna Choudhary Review

Quickly give the answers to the following questions. What was Mohan Babu's first film? What was the first film in which he played hero? In which film does he have 4 wives? Which was his last film as villain? In how many films has he played politician? How many films has he done so far?

Don't send the answers to us. We don't know them ourselves, so we aren't giving out prizes. Which is what is really such a shame. Mohan Babu is one of the more talented and versatile actors that the Telugu film industry has seen, and one of the most prolific too. It's perhaps one of those strange quirks of fate that he has never risen to the levels of glory and idolization that some of his lesser talented peers have.

It's difficult to attribute it to anything specific. Starting as a villain couldn't be it. Amitabh, Chiranjeevi, Shah Rukh and Rajnikanth, all played negative roles in the beginning of their careers. Lack of charisma couldn't be it - he has more fan clubs than several leading heroes. Lack of talent couldn't be it - he's portrayed several versatile roles. What is it then?

Well, we don't know - it's one of those luck things. What we do know, though, is the answer to the last question up there in that trivia quiz. Mohan Babu has done 500 films. And take our word for it, he has done this 500th one with a style and flourish that is signature Mohan Babu. The man that we all know, first as villain and then as hero, is the epitome of himself here. And if you are a Mohan Babu fan, you come out really satisfied - you've got what you went in for.

Rayalaseema Ramanna Choudhary (Mohan Babu) is a zamindar who has everything that a man can wish for - a palatial mansion, loads of money, hundreds of acres of land, the respect and fear of one and all and, the most important of all, a family that worships the very ground he walks on. But our zamindar is not a happy man as his sole ambition in life - that of owning every bit of land in Rayalaseema - is still not fulfilled.

Another aspect of Ramanna is that he is an atheist. The entire first half of the movie revolves around Ramanna's violent and successful efforts to fulfill this ambition. This entire half is the ultimate showcase for Mohan Babu, every scene is solely his. If it isn't Ramanna, it's his son Murali (Mohan Babu again!). While the father is busy accumulating land and expounding powerful dialogues, the son provides the song and dance by romancing the pretty Priya Gill.


The first half leaves you with a few questions: why is he so obsessed with land? Why does he not believe in God? And what does the betel leaf that he makes and chews before every major decision that he makes got to do with the plot? The last question may seem a bit out of place, but it will make sense after you watch the movie. The second half goes about revealing the reasons for Ramanna's behavior. To tell you the reasons would be an injustice to the director's efforts, since he's taken great pains to maintain the thrill of anticipation throughout the movie.

What we can tell you is that this is a very well-made masala movie. It will entertain you thoroughly, and despite it being a Mohan Babu showcase, it is a good flick. The acting, screenplay, dialogues, music and cinematography are all good. If you are intrigued and need to know more, watch the movie and you will not be disappointed.