'Ammayi'/'Ladki', directed by Ram Gopal Varma, has opened to a lukewarm critical response in India. This India's "first martial arts" movie, showcasing its protagonist's talent for Taekwondo and Jeet Kune Do skills, has turned out to be a dud.
Critics are of the view that RGV's reliance on skin show has deprived 'Ammayi' of its gravitas. "The close-up shots of Pooja Bhalekar's body, steamy scenes and skin-showing elements in almost all of the dance sequences distract from the plot's gravity," Times Of India said in its review.
Earlier, the media reported that the CBFC asked the makers to remove "objectifying dialogues, cuss words and close-up shots of cleavage, butt and pelvis". As Bollywood Hungama reported, "The CBFC also asked to remove 50% visuals in the scene where the villain rips off the clothes protagonist."
News9 in its review opined that 'Ladki' is a clumsy, ham-handed tribute to Bruce Lee in general and 'Enter the Dragon' in particular. RGV is a huge fan of Bruce Lee and it seems he has paid excessive tribute to him. "Every third scene is flanked by gigantic posters of Lee or banners with his quotes," the review added.
