Ek Anari Do Khiladi

Ek Anari Do Khiladi is a Telugu action-drama film from 1996, starring the evergreen and vivacious Raveena Tandon, the legendary Nandamuri Balakrishna and the versatile Ramya Krishnan. This movie presents a blend of thrilling action, intense drama, and a generous serving of romance - all hallmarks of 90's cinema that make this movie a compelling watch.

Set in the backdrop of the bustling city of Hyderabad, Ek Anari Do Khiladi follows the protagonist Kumar (played by Nandamuri Balakrishna), a fearless and robust young man known for his unflinching courage and sense of justice. Kumar's life takes an unexpected twist when he cross paths with the fiery and independent Sheetal (enacted by Raveena Tandon), a journalist on a mission. The narrative smartly blends romance and comedy into the intense plot around Kumar's interactions with Sheetal.

Sheetal's profession often lands her in the vicinity of danger, primarily due to her relentless pursuit of truth and thirst to expose wrongdoing. As Kumar encounters Sheetal in a sequence of interesting circumstances, he involuntarily finds himself becoming her protector. Eventually, this leads to a budding romance between both the characters. The chemistry between Raveena Tandon and Balakrishna is highly enjoyable in the film and adds to the overall charm of the narrative.

However, Ek Anari Do Khiladi doesn't just limit itself to romance and thrill. Director Ravi Raja Pinisetty manages to add a layer of complexity through an intriguing subplot involving an ambitious politician and his nefarious plans, which directly impacts the lives of the leading characters. The movie uses this plot element to showcase some high voltage action sequences that are designed to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Adding another layer to the narrative is the enigmatic presence of Geeta (portrayed by Ramya Krishnan), whose life is intricately intertwined with the protagonist. Krishnan manages to deliver a powerful performance in this handful role, solidifying her position as one of the finest actresses in Indian cinema.

The technical aspects of the film, considering its release timeline, are noteworthy. The cinematography effectively captures the essence of the mid-90s era of Hyderabad while creating enough visual appeal for the audience. The action sequences are designed well, adhering to the accepted norms of the time yet keeping the attention of the spectators intact.

The film also boasts of its music done by maverick composer Koti. The movie’s songs range from peppy, foot-tapping numbers to melodious tunes that astutely capture the essence of the movie's varied emotional spectrum, thereby adding a richer flavor to the narrative.

The combination of strong performances from an ensemble cast, deft direction, and gripping narrative makes Ek Anari Do Khiladi a memorable movie. Balakrishna's charismatic screen presence and action-oriented role coupled with Raveena Tandon's dynamic performance and Ramya Krishnan's compelling supporting act make this movie an enjoyable watch.

Additionally, Ek Anari Do Khiladi is a fine contribution to the action genre from South Indian cinema. At the same time, it also offers a subtle social commentary on the corruption and power politics prevalent during that era. It is also a direct and clear showcase of feminism, with Raveena Tandon's character being an independent, empowered journalist, a progressive thought for its time.

While on the surface it seems like a straightforward action-romance movie, beneath it conceals layers of suspense, emotion, drama, and above all, a deep-seated desire to expose the truth and fight for justice. In conclusion, Ek Anari Do Khiladi is a film that caters to a wide range of audience preferences, making it a movie well worth revisiting.