Jai Lava Kusa

Bobby Kolli's 2017 Telugu film follows three brothers separated in childhood. Mocked for his stammer, Jai turns to crime; the other two live as a bank manager and a petty crook. Jai abducts them and forces them into his plan. The film is a showcase for N. T. Rama Rao Jr. playing three roles; what is genuinely interesting is putting the villain's childhood trauma at the centre and suspending the heroic template for a while. Devi Sri Prasad's music is strong. Its weakness is the story returning in the second half to the familiar family film template and justifying its violence. Who it's for: viewers who like Telugu commercial cinema and one actor in multiple roles. Who it's not for: anyone wanting measured storytelling, or avoiding violent content.