After a considerable hiatus, Sampoornesh Babu, renowned for his spoof comedy films like ‘Hrudaya Kaleyam’ and ‘Kobbari Matta,’ steps into the shoes as Martin Luther King in the official remake of the Tamil blockbuster ‘Mandela,’ where Yogi Babu originally played the lead role. This rural drama, offering a fresh perspective, is directed by Pooja Kolluru, with the screenplay and dialogues crafted by Venkatesh Maha of ‘C/O Kancherapalam’ fame.
The trailer for ‘Martin Luther King,’ was unveiled today, giving audiences a glimpse into the narrative. The story unfolds in a town in Telangana, divided into two factions, North and South, engaged in constant strife. The self-proclaimed leaders, Naresh and Venkatesh Maha, struggle to bring even a single public toilet to their communities. Realizing that government funds won’t be allocated unless someone holds the position of president, they prepare for elections. The votes are seemingly evenly split, and securing just one more would ensure victory. To achieve this, they set out to win over Martin (Sampoornesh Babu), who goes unnoticed for all the work he does in the village, all for that critical one vote. It’s here that the tide turns for this ‘king.’
The remake seems to stay true to the original version, with minimal alterations. Sampoornesh Babu’s portrayal appears to be a promising choice over Yogi Babu. The casting is apt, with the entire movie unfolding against the rustic village backdrop. The music, composed by Smaran Sai, and cinematography by Deepak, add to the movie’s overall appeal. ‘
Martin Luther King’ is a blend of entertainment, a meaningful message, and emotional depth. The challenge lies in enticing the audience to theatres. If the content resonates well and strikes a chord with the audience, it may add another success to Sampu’s repertoire.
