After Yagnam, Ranam and Lakshyam, we have Ontari. Gopichand sure knows what the audience wants from him.
This is his third film under the Etharam banner. He appears to have a yen for scripts that revolve around the protagonist, who can do absolutely anything. Ontari has a bonus -- a focused screenplay and B V Ramana's directorial skills.
Full marks to Ramana for ensuring that the pace and twists sustain the viewers' interest. Ontari goes down the beaten track of a rich boy loves an orphan girl story.
Vamsi (Gopichand) and Bujji (newcomer Bhavana) fall in love. However, his dream is soon shattered. Now, Gopi makes it his mission to take revenge on those who tore his world apart.
If Gopichand is the hero on screen, Ramana is the hero off screen. He keeps the pace racy. He depends heavily on flashbacks to sustain the suspense and the outcome is quite interesting. Ramana also depends on comedy to provide relief from time to time, but blends it cleverly in the script.
However, some scenes like the one where Gopichand tries to fake about his family and how the family gets to know of it seem to be lifted from Bommarillu. Moreover, Ramana should have cut short on the number of songs as they obstruct the flow of the storytelling.
Gopichand comes out once again as a fantastic action hero. He appears at ease in romance and comic scenes as well and and is gradually proving to be a bankable star. Watch out for Bhavana as well. She does well at emoting.
Action sequences are choreographed quite effectively by Vijayan. A particular stunt where Gopichand and his rivals roll in grease is mind-blowing.
Music by Manisharma is okay. However, the background score matches well with the onscreen drama.
Gopichand's mentor Pokuri Babu Rao, who has produced this film, is believed to have spent quite a bit on the film. For the first time, the Etharam banner shot the songs abroad.
This film is meant for all sections of audience, despite being an action film.
Rediff Rating: 
