NOTA

NOTA is a 2018 Indian political drama film written and directed by Anand Shankar. Produced by K.E.Gnanavelraja’s Studio Green, the film features South Indian sensation Vijay Deverakonda in the lead role along with Nassar and Sathyaraj in significant roles. Released in both Tamil and Telugu, NOTA marked Vijay Deverakonda's debut in Tamil cinema. The movie revolves around politics, power, and the struggle for righteousness amidst a whirlpool of corruption.

The narrative primarily unfolds from the perspective of Varun Subramanyam (played by Vijay Deverakonda), who experiences a sudden plunge into the dark, complex world of politics. Being a fun-loving, carefree young man living his life to the fullest in London, Varun's world takes a drastic turn when destiny throws him into the chaos of state politics. The sudden resignation of his father, a seasoned politician and the sitting Chief Minister, coerces Varun to assume office unexpectedly in order to safeguard the party's future.

The powerhouse performers Nassar and Sathyaraj bring essential depth into NOTA's storyline. Nassar, as Varun’s father, embroils himself in the thick of controversies and corruption that initiate the political story. Sathyaraj, on the other hand, plays the role of an honest, fearless journalist who's on the quest for truth.

As a party novitiate plunged into the dirty depths of politics, Varun must make sense of inflated egos, backstabbing, power plays, and the systemic corruption that infests the conventionally sordid political landscape of the state. The film walks us through his journey of transformation from a political greenhorn to a responsible young leader seeking to cleanse the system, thereby signaling maturity in the face of adversity.

The movie paints a gritty picture of political manoeuvres and administrative machinations, offering a critical look into the intricacies and treacheries of Indian politics. Equally, it profiles a youth's endeavor to correct the flawed system he has unexpectedly become part of.

M.S. Prabhu’s cinematography skillfully captures the raw essence of a political drama—the chaos, the crowds, the public rallies. Sam C. S.’s distinct and impressive music adds depth to the script, intensifying each scene with dramatic background scores, and making the audience connect with the gravity of the situations on screen.

Vijay Deverakonda, renowned for his role in 'Arjun Reddy,' successfully showcases his acting prowess in NOTA. He executes his part as the reluctant chief minister with expertise, showcasing an array of emotions - surprise, fear, anger, determination, thereby giving the audiences an intense and unforgettable performance. Nassar and Sathyaraj complement the leading man with their expertise and leave a significant impact.

The screenplay of NOTA stands out for its bold narrative that reflects the frequently suppressed realities of the political world while keeping the viewers hooked till the end. Anand Shankar’s direction in synchrony with Shan Karuppusamy's writing forms a compelling narrative that indicts the deeply rooted corruption in the Indian political system and advocates for systemic changes.

NOTA's story strands are meticulously woven, and the tale unfolds at a steady pace, gradually building suspense while keeping the audience engrossed in the plot's trajectory. The film doesn't shy away from the ugly and foul side of politics, highlighting the prevalent corruption and malpractices. This is what sets NOTA apart from the typical commercially oriented movies, making you think and reflect long after you have left the cinema.

The movie’s success can be attributed to its skillful storytelling, the powerful performances by the cast, and the emotional punch the narrative delivers. Above all, NOTA is a strong social commentary on the current political climate that wittily integrates entertainment with information, keeping audiences riveted throughout.

While it does present an optimistic take on politics through a youth leader's perspective, it does so in a way that's realistic and without resorting to sermonizing. An engaging plot, critical perspective, and convincing performances make NOTA a must-watch for those who enjoy thought-provoking cinema, those interested in Indian politics, and, of course, fans of Vijay Deverakonda.

In conclusion, NOTA paints a clear portrait of Indian politics - its vices, the rampant corruption, and the age-old hush-hush tactics used to maintain power, portrayed through the wide-eyed innocence of a novice who is suddenly sucked in. The movie leaves you contemplating, making it more than just another cinema experience.