Dora - Movie Review

'Dora' is here. Let's find to know whether it's worth watching or can be given a miss…

What's the Story?

Parijatham Krishnaveni (Nayanthara) is the much-pampered daughter of a middle-class father (Thambi Ramaiah as Ramaiah). Her life is ordinary. Her biggest past time is pulling her dad's legs and earning his affection. Like this, the father and the daughter lead a breezy life. Such a girl's life goes topsy turvy when she buys a vintage car with the aim of making it big as a cab company owner. The car is possessed (the Trailer itself made this clear), but by what and why is to be learnt in the flashback. 

The crux of the story lies in what makes Parijatham draw herself into avenging a murder, how she executes the plan, all the while going against the wishes of a tough cop (played by Harish Uttaman).

What Works!

The biggest strength of 'Dora' are the technical elements. The CG work is a class apart, especially the way the car is shown to move its parts like a human being. The cinematographer uses lighting to a very good effect whenever the car shows its 'vishwaroopam'. Almost all the action sequences take place in night effect, but they are very crystal clear and pleasant.

The RR (music is by Vivek-Mervin combo) is another major plus. The sounds are not harsh just because it's a crime-mystery-thriller. The comic situations in the first half work. For example, showing Nayan as struggling hard with a 'dokku' TVS. The 'verri' (crazed manners) of the two comes with a Kollywoodian flavour, but they elicit laughs. 

What Doesn't Work!

It's difficult to connect to the mission of Nayan's character after the flashback. The flashback has a lot of emotional content on paper, but it's narrated mechanically. 

While many may praise the heroine for the scene in the police station where she does an 'Aparichitudu', it's the biggest liability of the film! Yes, it is. From this point, it becomes clear that Nayan is not going to be emotionally intense. From this point, Harish Uttaman's character stops evoking interest because he takes her 'nakhras' lying down. From this point, we know subconsciously that it's going to be an easier task for the heroine to complete her mission. 

There is no consistency in the way the car's powers are showcased. In one scene, it needs instructions. In the next scene, it doesn't!

Performance Score

The performances by Nayanthara and Thambi Ramaiah (who has many scenes in the first half) are a visual treat. As a bespectacled youngster, Nayan looks very graceful and when she shows emotions like anger and pain in the second half, she is convincing. Thambi is no less a talent. He has an air of innocence about him, making us vote for him when he gets dominated by his mischievous daughter.  Harish Uttaman as a tough cop comes with a striking screen presence. 

Final Verdict: 'Dora' is formulaic revenge drama involving a supernatural character and a woman. It becomes predictable after a point. Weak villainy is a major drawback. Technically, it's nicely done. But tempo is not maintained in the second half, robbing the movie of emotional build-up.