Producer: N.V.Prasad, Paras jain
Director: Shimbu Devan
Cast: Vadivelu, Nasser, Ilavarusu, Mounika, Manorama, Tejasri, Nagesh, Venniradai Murthy, Sriman
Music: Sabesh-Murali

‘Himsinche 23va Raju Pulakesi’ is the Telugu remake of a Tamil hit by Simbu Devan and is being produced by N.V. Prasad and Paras Jain under the banner of Mega Super Good Films. This big budget flick stars comedian Vadivelu in a dual role. This film dons the look of a period film and deals with a lighthearted conflict between, the good, the bad and the ugly.

The film set in 17th century, deals with the story of a Tamil king Mani Varma whose queen after going through 22 abortions finally gives birth to boy twins in her 23rd attempt. The king hides the truth about twin babies from his maternal uncle and Raja Guru who are after the crown. He sends one of the kids to a far off place while the other continues to stay in the palace with his parents. As the kid was born at the 23rd attempt after visiting Pulakesi temple, the baby boy is named as 23va Raju Pulakesi while the other one is named Bhargava. Pulakasi grows out to be an ill-tempered brat on the other hand his brother grows up to be a quick-witted humble man. After completing his education, Bhargava learns that he is a mirror image of the king. The story then trails as how he swaps places with the king to teach Raja Guru and teach the British an unforgettable lesson.

Vadivelu pulls off his dual role with great ease. Brahmandam has done the dubbing for one of his role here. This film which rests on an extravagant budget of seven crores is mainly steeped in comedy.

This story which has gone ahead to become a major hit in Kollywood may not meet with the same fate here in Tollywood since the sensibilities of Telugu audience are different from that of Tamil audience. Moreover it takes a toll on our senses to watch two Vadivelu for two long hours.

This film is a typical example of a Tamil hit boomeranged in Telugu since it doesn’t cater to their susceptibility.