Last week, one of the most bizarre movies released in Tollywood – Awe! Starring Kajal Aggarwal, Nithya Menen, Regina Cassandra, Murali Sharma, the film had garnered huge buzz for its mysterious trailer. The fact that Nani was producing it, added to the excitement further. It made fans wonder, what drove hit machine Nani to bankroll it? Post release, we are truly left in awe! with the unique concept. This film, if encouraged will pave the way for powerful stories like this one. After having watched the film, we would go on to say, it is even better than Baahubali! While we have dared to make this statement, we also have points to support it. Here’s why Nani’s Awe! is better than Baahubali. Please note, there are SPOILERS AHEAD.

Powerful story: The USP of Awe! was its unusual story. Five stories that had different motives in place, unfolded simultaneously, at a food court. Just when you wondered, how these stories were tied together, you realised, this entire world was made-up by Kali, who suffered multiple personality disorder. The kaleidoscope of stories was a reflection of her erratic mind that could only be controlled through medication. This novel storyline has surpassed several other great stories in terms of its uniqueness, including Baahubali! While the magnum opus boasted of a compelling story, it’s not that we haven’t heard of magnanimous kings, cruel brothers and their motives and a grand kingdom before. Also Read: Awe! movie review: Nani’s film is an extraordinary piece of art that must be celebrated

Style of filmmaking: Apart from the unique story, the style of filmmaking was another aspect that deserved a mention. Every scene was sketched before it translated into reality. While we have seen that in a Bollywood film called Hum Tum, it was a refreshing concept in Tollywood. And the beauty of this film was that with each story, it was made to believe the set up was different but after a panoramic shot, you realise, the stories are all unfolding in one food court. As for Baahubali, SS Rajamouli’s style of filmmaking was exemplary, what with the VFX and the picturesque scenes, but when it comes to unconventionality, Awe! was relatively more unique.

Poetic climax: Awe!’s climax is what brings the movie to a grand finish. The realisation that the myriad stories were a made up world in Kali’s disturbed head, is what elevates the impact of the film. With evocative background score playing in the background, you are left numb for a few minutes amazed and in ‘awe’. As for Baahubali, fans were impressed with the answer to why Kattappa ****ed Baahubali but the historical drama lost its grand touch when it came to showing the son avenging his father’s death. It felt more of an anti-climax.

Novel concept: We have to admit, Awe! as a concept is a novel trend in Tollywood. In an industry ridden by special numbers, cliched love stories or superstar entries, here is a film that tries to tell a touching, disturbing tale of a girl who has a world swimming inside her head. While SS Rajamouli’s film was grand in its visuals and VFX, the movie was not pioneering a new concept. It was presenting to you familiar story in a unique fashion.

An actor produced this film: Awe! not only boasted of an ensemble cast, but it also marked a popular actor’s debut as a producer. Telugu hit machine Nani bankrolled this project. As per reports he was in love with the script and volunteered to produce it himself. He dared to support the film. As for Baahubali, the film was backed by known film producer Shobu Yarlagadda, co-founder of ARKA Mediaworks. While bankrolling the magnum opus was a risk for them too, considering its exorbitant budget, Awe! being produced by an actor, and not by a producer was the bigger deal.