Shadow is a 2013 Indian Telugu-language action comedy film produced by Paruchuri Kireeti on United Movies banner and directed by Meher Ramesh. The film stars Venkatesh, Tapsee, Srikanth, Madhurima in the lead roles and music was composed by S. Thaman. The film was released on 26 April 2013. The film was later dubbed into Hindi as Meri Jung: One Man Army by Sumeet Arts in 2013.
Plot
Rajaram is the son of Raghuram, an investigative journalist in a United Nations agency. He infiltrates the criminal organization of Nana Bhai and earns his trust. He gathers proof against the activities of Nana and hands them over to newspaper publisher Chaitanya Prasad alias CP. This is discovered by Nana Bhai and he murders Raghuram in an exceedingly brutal manner. He additionally destroys Raghuram's family. Rajaram manages to flee from the Massacre and vows to get revenge on Nana. With the assistance of Baba, Rajaram grows up to be a strong young man. He assumes the identity of Shadow and starts looking for members of Nana's gang. Meanwhile, Prathap, a tricky cop in UN agency, is also searching for Nana Bhai and his gang. As expected, the methods of Rajaram and Prathap cross resulting in friction. However, Rajaram soon learns that he has a terribly sturdy association with Prathap. At last, he manages to reach Nana Bhai and destroys him.
Cast
Soundtrack
The music of the film was composed by S. Thaman and released on T-Series Audio Company. The title track of this film was released at Ramanaidu Studios in Hyderabad. Venkatesh, V. V. Vinayak, Meher Ramesh, Producer Paruchuri Prasad, Paruchuri Kireeti, Kona Venkat, Gopimohan and Thaman attended this event. Vinayak launched the title song of the movie. The audio launch of this film was held at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad on 15 March 2013. Vinayak unveiled the T-Series audio albums and handed one to Boyapati Srinu. Gopichand Malineni, K. L. Narayana, Nagababu, Boyapati Srinu and V. V. Vinayak launched the songs of the movie. Madhurima, Kona Venkat, Gopimohan, Baba Sehgal, Adithya Pancholi attended this event.
Production
This is the first Tollywood film, played in Prasad multiplex screen equipped with the high quality Auro 11.1 3D sound with 55 speakers.
Casting
The media reported that Venkatesh played the role of a mafia don in this film. However, he said that this was not the case Bollywood actor Aditya Pancholi is making his debut as villain in Telugu for this film.
Distribution
Earlier sources reports that the film was to be released in the U.S. and Canada by Ficus. However, it was released in those countries by Suresh Productions through Praneeth Media.
Release
Initially the film was scheduled for a Ugadi release on 11 April 2013. Later director Meher Ramesh confirmed that the film was postponed to 26 April 2013. The film was censored with a U/A certificate, obtained from the CBFC on 18 April 2013, and was released on the previously scheduled release date.
Critical reception
Sashidhar AS from The Times of India website reviewed the film and stated, "It's a mash up of several other movies and does not showcase anything new." Shekhar from the Oneindia website reviewed and gave a rating of 2.5/5 for the film and said, "The director has failed in executing his ideas in crispy way. However, it is good entertainer, which will appeal both class and mass audience. It is a must watch film for Venky fans." A critic from the Way2movies website reviewed and gave a rating of 2/5 for the film and stated, "Even Venkatesh couldn't salvage 'Shadow'." Mahesh S Koneru from the 123telugu website reviewed and gave a rating of 2.25/5 for the film, and stated, "Meher Ramesh must realise that style without substance will never work." A critic from the Supergoodmovies website reviewed and gave a rating of 2/5 for the film, and said that Shadow "is a below average film. Here Meher Ramesh Direction, Screen Play and Story are bad. It is not a worthy flick." Cherukuri Raja from the Apherald website reviewed and gave a rating of 1.5/5 for the film and said, "Biggest Disaster of this Summer, dont waste your bucks on this flick."
Box office
The film collected a worldwide share of 11.5 crore in its full run.
