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Is Dhruva Better Than Thani Oruvan?

Published in Film Remake Review 2 mins read

Yes, Dhruva, the Telugu remake of the Tamil hit Thani Oruvan, is considered by some to be even better than its original counterpart.

Dhruva: A Worthy Remake, Possibly Superior

Dhruva earned critical acclaim as a "slick and tight" Telugu remake of Thani Oruvan. Many reviewers highlighted that the film was not just a well-made adaptation but also suggested it "might even be better than the Tamil original." This perspective underscores Dhruva's success in not merely replicating but potentially enhancing the narrative and cinematic experience of its source material.

Key Aspects of Dhruva's Reception:

  • High Production Quality: The remake was praised for its polished execution, demonstrating a high standard of filmmaking.
  • Narrative Effectiveness: It successfully retained the gripping plot and character dynamics that made Thani Oruvan popular.
  • Potential for Improvement: The notion that Dhruva could surpass Thani Oruvan indicates that it offered something fresh or more compelling to its audience.

The Impact of Arvind Swami's Performance

A significant contributing factor to Dhruva's perceived quality was the return of Arvind Swami in his role as Siddharth Abhimanyu, the antagonist. His portrayal was so impactful that, for some, his performance alone was reason enough to watch the film. Critics noted that they would have "gladly sat through Dhruva even if had been downright terrible, only because Arvind Swami was re-enacting his role as Siddharth Abhimanyu in it." This highlights the pivotal role his performance played in elevating the remake.

Comparative Overview

To summarize the critical sentiment regarding the two films:

Aspect Thani Oruvan (Original) Dhruva (Remake)
Overall Quality Highly regarded original Praised as "slick and tight," "well-made"
Comparative Standing Benchmark for the remake Might even be better than the original
Notable Performance Original role of Siddharth Abhimanyu Arvind Swami's compelling re-enactment of Siddharth Abhimanyu

In essence, Dhruva is not just a faithful remake but is often lauded for its ability to stand on its own, with some even finding it a more refined or engaging experience than Thani Oruvan, significantly bolstered by Arvind Swami's reprisal of his iconic role.