Yamadonga

An Indian film that continues in the world of the dead. Raja is a thief. Clever, fast-talking and bound by no rule. He has a circle of his own and answers to nobody. After an incident he is killed and goes to the land of the dead. There is Yama's court there; everyone is judged by what they did and serves a sentence. Raja will not accept that order. He argues in the court, finds the gaps in the system and soon builds a circle of his own there too. His aim is to get back to earth. That is the idea: a swindler dealing with the bureaucracy of the underworld and trying to beat a god at his own game. The narrative builds scenes from Indian mythology on large sets; the courtroom, the ledgers and the sections of punishment are its showiest parts. The line on earth continues as well; there are people Raja left behind and an account not settled. N. T. Rama Rao Jr. plays Raja. Priyamani and Mamta Mohandas are in the cast. S. S. Rajamouli directed. It was made as a large-budget Telugu production and drew attention for its effects. A colourful choice for anyone who likes Indian fantasy and mythological narrative. For a viewer expecting a measured story, the film uses exaggeration as a style and runs close to three hours.