Billa – avee

Starring: Prabhas, Anushkam Namitha, Krishnam Raju and others

Director: Mehar Ramesh

Music: Mani Sarma

Release date: 03 March 2009

Prabhas finally arrives with a bang with Billa. The film is a remake of Tamil and Hindi versions but director Mehar Ramesh manages to pack in enough mass elements to please all Prabhas fans. The buxom Namitha and the svelte Anushka also add their bit to the film. Krishnam Raju adds weight to the film with a dignified performance.

Story: Billa (Prabhas) is an international gangster involved in arms dealings across the globe. He is wanted by the police in 11 countries. Billa operates from his den in Malaysia. Billa is assisted in his operations by Supreet. Lisa (Namitha) is the mistress of Billa and she is always by his side. ACP Krishnamurhty (Krishnam Raju) is a sincere and a hardworking police officer. He is on the trail to nab Billa and other big arms dealers and put an end to their nefarious activities.

Billa is on the edge of completing a big deal arms deal ‘Devil’ and Rasheed (Kelly Dorjee). ‘Devil’ is a mastermind in the deal and his real identity is not known.

Krisnnamurhty almost succeeds in capturing Billa but in the shootout, Billa succumbs to the bullet injury caused by the ACP.

Krishnamurthy hides the dead body of Billa in a mortuary. Ali, an informer of the police helps Krisnamurhty to bring in ‘Ranga’ in place of Billa. Ranga is a good natured guy who makes a living by picking pockets.  

Krishnamurty trains Ranga and plants him in Billa’s den as the real ‘Billa’. Maya (Anushka) is trying all the time to kill Billa. Why is Maya trying to kill Billa? Can Krishnamurthy succeed in nabbing the dreaded gangster? Can Ranga pass himself off as Billa?

Answers to all these questions can be found on the screen.

Performance:

Prabhas comes up with a wonderful performance. The dual roles in the film give Prabhas a double chance to show off his acting caliber. The film runs entirely on Prabhas and he carries it on his shoulders with style, grace and charm. Prabhas also impresses with his impressive dance steps in a song.

Krishnam Raju adds grace and elegance to his role of a police officer. Krishnam Raju has become old and has slowed down considerably but still manages to carry out his role effectively.

Namitha and Anushka are there to add to the glamour quotient. The also reveal their ample assets with their liberal skin show. Both Anushka and Namitha sizzle in their bikini show. Ali plays a small but crucial role. Kelly Dorjee plays a largely guest role. Jaya Sudha and others are okay.

Mani Sharma’s music is just right. A couple of songs, including the title song ‘Maska… Mirchi pilla… Bommalee… Bommalee …are set to fast paced music.

The production values are of high standard keeping in tune with the image of the Gopikrishna Movies banner.

But it is a must watch for the acting of Prabhas, Krishnam Raju and of course for the buxom Namitha and Anushka. The film begins on a slow pace but picks up speed by the interval bang. Most of the action is in the second half. The film has enough mass elements and entertainment values to appeal to all sections of the audience.