Story :
Chandu/Chandrasekhar Dharma has a dark past behind him but lives as a simple employee in a Super Market. His attitude to stand by good, make sure he is at loggerheads with local MLA Govardhana Rao (Chakravakam Madhu) & gang. A series of unexpected events reveals his true identity and the reason behind his reclusive life. What happens next in Chandrasekhar Dharma’s life forms the rest.
Performances:
Balakrishna’s character has two different variation. In one character, he is a silent man who do not want to mess up with any one and in the other, he is always at the center of troubles. As a simpleton, Balayya never really got in to the character and in some place, he is too loud. But in the latter role, he absolutely gets in to the skin. Anjali is seen as a brief but important role and she is good in that.
Sonal Chauhan is mostly confined to glam show in a song and there is very little beyond that. Aksha is totally wasted in not so important role. There are several artistes as baddies but none of them really made an impact. Rati Agnihotri is also not used well. There are many supporting artistes and comedians who fails to make any mark on audience or the story.
Technical Performances:
Srivas, the director of the film is the prime reason for the debacle. He failed with the direction as well as the screenplay. The direction is too weak and none of the scenes have any energy that is important for a Balayya film. There are certain areas in the film like the interval block, we feel there is potential, but the director just lets it down. Even in the second half, we get the feeling the film is gaining momentum but is immediately let off. Srivas has no one to blame except himself for the failure.
Kona Venkat and Gopimohan desperately need a break and introspect on what is going terribly wrong with them. Dictator is yet again a forgettable outing for them. Thaman’s music is average with one song coming out well. Chinna’s Back ground score is loud and we see lot of inspirations. Camera work is alright while editing should have been a lot better.
Plus Points:
1. First fight scene of Balakrishna.
2. Few confrontation scenes with villains.
Minus Points:
1. Poor narration.
2. Bad Comedy.
3. Run Time.
Final Say:
Dictator has few scenes which make it attemptable by diehard Balakrishna fans. It is a big disappointment that his prestigious 99th film is let down so badly. The movie is heavily inspired from Hollywood film, Equalizer. You may better try that if you want!