Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu

Plot

Rambabu (Pawan Kalyan) is a hot-blooded, high-tempered mechanic who has a kind heart, as well as a tendency to react to various social incidents shown or published in the electronic media. After studying his mentality, Ganga (Tamannaah), a cameraman from NC Channel, offers him a job as a journalist, and he accepts it. Ex-Chief Minister Jawahar Naidu (Kota Srinivasa Rao) tries to collapse the Government and regaining the CM post and is strongly supported by his son Rana Babu (Prakash Raj), a newbie to politics. Meanwhile, a reputed journalist Dasaradh Ram (Surya) brings the proofs and required information about the scams and atrocities committed by Jawahar Naidu, only to be brutally murdered by Rana Babu.

Though everyone including the police are aware that Rana Babu is the murderer, none dares to tell the same. Rambabu valiantly opposes him and gets him arrested. However, Rana Babu is released from the jail with the help of his political friends, and he challenges Ram Babu that he would be the CM by using the media. A war starts between Rambabu and Rana Babu when Rana Babu enters politics. For gaining political mileage, Rana Babu starts a movement opposing the presence of other states people in Andhra Pradesh and makes it a big movement. He even injures Ram Babu severely but he is saved by Smitha (Gabriela Bertante) , who works for a rival news channel. Rambabu joins Smitha's news channel after getting discharged from the hospital.

Rambabu tricks Rana Babu into making some controversial statements on air, thus destroying the momentum of the movement. For making his position in the politics strong, he makes Jawahar Naidu deliver his last speech and murders him, which is recorded by Rana Babu's driver, who calls Ram Babu and Smitha to show them the video. Smitha shoots Rambabu, steals the video, and makes a deal with Rana Babu to disclose the whole for a hefty price. With the support of all the young blood influenced by his speech, Rambabu reaches the building where Rana Babu hosted a party for his colleagues.

Rambabu sends a message to the commissioner of police that Rana Babu's guests should vacate the building to avoid themselves being killed along with Rana Babu by the people. Before leaving, Smitha orders to telecast the video, only to be killed by Rana Babu. Rana Babu comes outside with his pistol and shoots Rambabu. The film ends with Rana Babu dying in the stampede of the people and Rambabu reaching the ambulance accompanied by Ganga, whom he loves and who he is being loved by.

Cast

Development

Pawan Kalyan has previously worked with Puri Jagannadh in Badri, which also was Puri's debut movie. On 18 January 2012, Puri Jagganath announced on his Twitter account that Pawan had agreed to do a film with him and filming would begin in mid-2012. On 25 January 2012 Puri announced that the film would be produced by DVV Danayya on Universal Media banner and that filming would begin in May 2012 after Pawan completed filming for Gabbar Singh. On 10 February 2012, Puri Jagganath revealed on his Twitter that he was in Bangkok and had completed writing the first half of the film. He also announced that the film would be titled Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu and released the logo of the film on his Twitter. On 15 February 2012, it was reported that Puri has completed writing the script. The film was officially launched on 14 March 2012 at Puri Jagannath's office in Hyderabad. It was soon announced that S. R. Shekhar, who worked for Puri's previous four movies, will be handling the film's editing and Shyam K. Naidu will work as the cinematographer. It was also reported that Mani Sharma would give the soundtrack for the film. This would be Puri Jagannath's 25th film.

Casting

It was announced on 14 March 2012 that Prakash Raj, Brahmanandam, Ali, Tanikella Bharani and Kota Srinivasa Rao were cast for vital roles in the film. It was reported that Pawan Kalyan would be seen in the role of a news reporter and the female lead will be played by Tamanna.Gabriela Bertante who performed an item number in Puri Jagannadh's Devudu Chesina Manushulu was chosen to play the second female lead role which will have some negative shades. Scarlett Wilson has been roped for an item song.

Filming

Filming was set to begin in the second week of May 2012 after Puri finishes Devudu Chesina Manushulu. It was also reported that major part of the filming would take place in Hyderabad. The first schedule of the film started on 15 June 2012 at Saradhi Studios and shifted to Padmalaya. A tough situation was faced by the police to handle the crowd at shooting spot. The second schedule of the film began on 9 July 2012. By August, filming of the talkie part was completed and the shooting was wrapped up in September after the remaining (two) songs in the film were shot. A fight scene was shot at Ramoji Rao City. Puri originally planned to shoot climax with real life Pawan fans but due to weather it was postponed. A set resembling that of a media office was erected at Saradhi studios for 30 million by art director CHINNA.

Distribution rights

"Exilir India Entertainments" company secured the theatrical distribution rights for Australia and New Zealand. The theatrical distribution rights of the film for Vizag region were sold for ₹ 41 million. Telugu film production company 14 Reels Entertainment secured the theatrical screening rights of the film for Krishna District.

Release

The Teaser on making of the film was released on 2 September 2012. The film has got a U/A Certificate without any cuts from Central Board of Film Certification on 11 October 2012. The film was released on 18 October 2012 in over 1600 screens. On the second day of its release following protests by Telangana supporters against objectionable scenes which they claimed hurt their sentiments and allegedly belittling the pro-Telangana movement, the screening of the film was stopped in many theatres across Telangana region. As the controversy surrounding objectionable scenes in the film continues to affect its screening in several Telangana districts, a committee constituted by the Government has recommended cuts and modifications of nine scenes.

Critical reception

The film received mixed reviews. The Times of India gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and stated that "The first half of the film goes on a fruity note while the film's racy second half keeps you going". Rediff wrote : "With Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu, Puri Jagannadh is trying to look for an idealistic situation". The Way2movies website gave a rating of 3.25/5 for the film and stated that "A sincere attempt by Puri Jagannadh. Watch Pawan Kalyan's terrific on-screen presence in Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu". Idlebrain gave 3.25/5 and wrote : Strengths of the film are Pawan Kalyan’s explosive performance and Puri Jagan’s superb characterization/dialogues. On the flip side, the holistic approach and strong villain characterization is missing in the film. There is enough fire power in the movie to make it commercially work.. The 123telugu website also gave a rating 3.25/5 for the film and stated that "'Cameraman Ganga tho Rambabu’ is a movie that works primarily due to Pawan Kalyan’s sheer force and powerful on-screen presence. A good second half, solid punch dialogues and a terrific performance from Pawan elevate the movie. Better script and more involving characters would have helped the movie. The film will be a great watch for those who are interested in politics, and a decent one for regular movie lovers.". The SuperGoodMovies website also gave a 3.25/5 for the film and stated that "Go and Watch Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu for Powerstar Pawan Kalyan's best performance. CGR is packaged with full of entertainment. A hit for Pawan Kalyan this year". The Oneindia Entertainment website has stated that What strikes you in the film is the way Puri has presented this subject on screen. Pawan Kalyan's performance stands out in it. It is a good treat for both class and mass audience, and it is a must watch film for the Powerstar fans. . Telugu cinema wrote : "Cameraman Ganga-tho Rambabu is a treat for Pawan Kalyan's fans and for Puri's fans, with its central theme actually going above and beyond the star and the star-director".

Box office

The film started well at box office and collected 50Cr(Gross) but droped after and the film became average flick at the box office.The film has collected approximately ₹8.8 million (US$140,000) in USA in 1 week(nett). The film has completed 50 days in 72 centres on 6 December 2012 in Andhra Pradesh. CGTR Collected ₹8.5 crore (US$1.3 million)(Share) day 1 collection and it collcted 35Cr(share)in its lifetime.

Home media

The VCD's, DVD's and Blu-ray disc's of the film were released into the market through Aditya Video company on 17 January 2013.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of the film was released without audio launch through Aditya Music label on 26 September 2012. The music of the film was composed by Mani Sharma collaborating with Puri Jagan and with Pawan for fourth time. The album consists of six songs. The lyrics for all songs were penned by Bhaskarabhatla. The audio songs of the film were well received by the audience.

Awards