Cast: Upendra, Raja, Priyamani, Kamna Jethmalani, Ramya, Abhinayasri, Vinodkumar, Suman, Supreet, Krishna Bhagawan, Ali, Venumadhav and Others
Director:Priyadarshini Ram
Producer:Dev Amar
Music:Manisharma
Cinematography:Surendra Reddy
Dialogues:Sampath Nandi
Story, Screenplay and Editing:Priyadarshini Ram
Co-Producer:K.K.Radhamohan
Banner:Dev Films Dreams
Release Date:14th July, 2007
'Toss' does not have much to do with its title. If you are expecting a thrilling game of chance, then there is no chance. The
story is predictable, but the best that can be said about Upendra-Raja starrer 'Toss', directed by Priyadarshini Ram, is that
it's not entirely a bad watch. It is a sane movie considering Upendra's crazy ventures, and it is interesting considering
Raja's record of boring Good-Boy roles.
Plot:
Parasuram is working undercover for the police commissioner Nayak (Suman) to nab notorious goon Neelakantha
and his gang red-handed. He falls in love with Neelakantha's blind sister Naina (Priyamani) and delays his task. Nayak gets
restless, since he has to retrieve the 10 crores stolen by Neelakantha. It turns out there as more to the delay than just
love, and each main character's past unravels.
Story, Screenplay and Direction:
The storyline has been done to death but a few things stand out. One is the take of three different characters of a certain
situation-Neelakantha, Parasuram and Naina. Then, the songs by Manisharma and the picturization of each song are good. Third,
it is filled with straight vulgar dialogues and characters that will please the masses.
The editing is jerky at times, but in the songs, it is very good. The climax also has some maverick themes and it makes you
laugh and watch with much interest at the same time. The 'Anna-Chellamma' sentiment is now passé, but has been repeated in
this movie with lot of gusto. 'Dhoom 2' sequence with Hrithik-Ash where they take a chance with the bullet in the gun has
been used here, except its poison in glasses this time. The first song has been shot well, like a music video. Abhinayasri,
Krishna Bhagawan, Ali and Venumadhav come together for some dumb humor and dirty jokes. The way Parusuram outwits Krishna
Bhagwan with his jewellery and the way he outwits Jeeva who prints fake notes is good. There are some screenplay glitches in
the second half. Priyadarshini Ram has dubbed for Upendra and the deep husky voice works well for him, combined with the
eye-rolling trick he performs.
Performances:
Upendra's eccentricity and strange charisma shine through. He has a good presence and well-thought
out moves. Raja is cast in a different role, and that is a relief, because he can perform. Priyamani is good, and Ramya-well,
she makes a good pair with Upendra. As for Kamna, no one knows what she was doing in the movie. Suman has carried on his
'Shivaji' mannerisms here.
Song and Dance:
A highlight. Manisharma's good music, good picturizations and thorough themes.
Last Word:
This is definitely one of Upendra's better movies. It does not come under 'good cinema'. Whether Upendra
is your idol, or whether he amuses you, it is just Time-pass. In entirety, an old plot in a new avtar, some double meaning
humor and skimpily-clad women dancing-and a few good scenes. That sums Toss up. |  |
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