REVIEW : APRIL FOOL (2014)
Prakash (Jagapathi Babu), a sincere lawyer and one of the top reporter Swapna (Bhoomika) go against local goon Anna (Gulshan Grover) for a land grabbing issue. Accidentally even there is a rivalry between Kakki (Ranadhir) and Anna (Gulshan) due to diamonds issue. Taking this an opportunity Anna always irritates Kakki with his power. Being frustrated with his life Kakki blames God for everything happening in his life and sleeps off. When he wakes up the next morning, Kaki soon realizes the tedium of the same day over and over again, he gradually learns to treat people decently. He also falls for Satya (Shrusti). With each defeat means a little more information and gets him a little closer to understand selfishness in him. How will Prakash and Swapna fight against Anna? Will Kakki support the moment and help the Colony people forms the rest of the tale.
The actors look disinterested, especially Jagapathy Babu who always delivered spirited performances, even in some of his worst films. He overacts in this one and limited to a small role. Bhumika Chawla has a small role and leaves a mark. Ranadhir is wasted, he doesn't fit the bill. Shrusti irritates with her performance. Gulshan Grover tries hard, but carries just one expression throughout the film. Thagubothu Ramesh, Dhanraj, Seenu failed in proving the fun, the rest of the characters ham endlessly.
There aren't any. After a point you don't even care, we expected a satirical comedy, but April Fool has inspirations from Groundhog Day. In an attempt to try something unconventional director Krishna Swamy Srikanth Iyengar seems to be totally inspired by Groundhog Day (1993). April Fool is devoid of any sense or logic. Like; Gulshan Grover never tries to check the diamonds in the car rather goes against Ranadhir every time - There is no particular point why Shruti falls in love straight away (After a kiss while chasing a goon who stole her 50 Lakhs Rupees) similarly there are many logics missing in the film. Narration of the film is snail paced; one could easily predict the ending before interval. The dialogues are appropriate but pretty generic and this film doesn't bind to the stereotypical norms of passion, which is a drawback. Music Director Bunty failed in providing situational and soothing songs to support the film's narration. Even he failed to elevate the film with his Background Score. Cinematography by Tanikella Rajendraprasad is second rate. Movie is around 155 minutes and Editor should have easily cut short the film by 30-40 Minutes. Even transition of the scenes is not perfectly done. Production Values of Sudha Entertainments are mediocre.
Always felt April Fool could either spring a huge surprise or fall flat unfortunately, It's the later. From the start to finish, absolutely nothing works for the film. You fail to understand what the director was thinking?.The first Half of the film provide us with interesting points here and there but fails to capitalize in the second half. April Fool turns out to be a film which possibly carried good potential of being an engaging watch. However with unnecessary scenes taking over the proceedings and becoming repetitive after a while, the end result isn't really enthralling.
If you are not bothered by bad screenplay and acting, love Bhumika Chawla and have money to spend this weekend then go watch April Fool. But if your money is dear to you, stay at home and watch IPL instead.
Jagapati Babu,Bhumika Chawla,Krishnaswamy Shrikanth,GL Srinivas.Don't Fool Yourself, April is over!!