Reviews

“The Family Star” – Vijay Deverakonda and Mrunal Thakur shine brightly in a narrative that struggles to maintain its momentum.

Despite its promising premise and commendable performances, the film falls short due to its uninspiring screenplay and shallow portrayal of key relationships. However, it still manages to deliver moments of humor and charm, supported by decent technical execution.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 20, 2024

The Crowd Puller

Family Star, eagerly anticipated and directed by Parasuram Petla, features Vijay Deverakonda and Mrunal Thakur in leading roles. Positioned as a leisurely-paced family drama, the film boasts strong performances but suffers from lackluster writing and narrative execution.

The movie starts promisingly, effectively introducing its characters and building audience connection. The central concept, revolving around a star in each generation destined to shape the family’s destiny, holds intrigue. However, the narrative loses momentum post-interval, diminishing its emotional impact.

“Govardhan (Vijay Deverakonda), a devoted middle-class individual, juggles the multifaceted responsibilities of his family, prioritising their welfare over personal desires. His life takes an intriguing turn with the arrival of Indumati (Mrunal Thakur), an Anthropology student, setting the stage for unexpected developments. How does Govardhan’s life change after meeting Indu, and how does he end up in the US?”

Vijay Deverakonda shines as the relatable yet multi-layered Govardhan, while Mrunal Thakur impresses in both dramatic and light-hearted moments, sharing palpable chemistry with Deverakonda in the first half. Despite commendable performances, director Parasuram struggles to craft a compelling and emotionally resonant storyline. The portrayal of Govardhan’s familial conflict with his elder brother lacks depth and feels rushed. Similarly, the depiction of life in the US and the dynamics between the lead pair could have been better developed.

Supporting actors like Jagapathi Babu, Vasuki, Abhinaya, and Vennela Kishore contribute effectively to their respective roles, with Kishore providing comic relief as Smarth.

The film benefits from Gopi Sundar’s music and KU Mohanan’s cinematography, both of which align well with its decent production values.

In conclusion, Family Star falls short of its promising setup and strong performances due to its unengaging screenplay and lack of emotional depth in key relationships. While the lead actors deliver commendable performances, the narrative fails to sustain interest, especially in the second half. Nonetheless, the movie offers moments of humor and charm, alongside decent technical aspects. It may appeal to fans of the cast and family dramas, but others might find it lacking the engaging storytelling expected in cinematic experiences.

Related Topics:Entertainment News Featured

Up Next

“Warning 2”: Gippy Grewal’s Sequel Presents a Complex Plot with Electrifying Action Sequences

Don't Miss

Congress rolls out ‘Better Deal,’ new economic agenda

The Crowd Puller

Click to comment

Malayalam

“Pavi Caretaker”: Dileep Delivers a Classic Comedy

The question of whether the mystery woman sharing Pavi’s accommodation, and appearing only when he is on duty, will become the love of his life hangs in suspense, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative.

Published

1 week ago

April 27, 2024

The Crowd Puller

“Pavi Caretaker” follows the typical Dileep formula, blending slapstick humor, heartfelt emotions, romance, and action reminiscent of 90s movies, catering to the so-called family entertainment genre. However, Dileep’s character now includes a couple of pro-women dialogues, advocating for girls to complete their education and secure a job before marriage.

The story revolves around Pavi, a bachelor caretaker who doubles as the night security of a prestigious apartment. While the narrative could have explored the lives of various residents in the building, it primarily focuses on bringing romance into Pavi’s life.

“The movie embodies the quintessential Dileep style, serving as a platform for slapstick humor, heartfelt emotions, romantic interludes, and action sequences reminiscent of 90s cinema.”

As Pavi interacts with different women, including his roommate arranged by his landlady, the film introduces sweet and poignant moments alongside unmistakable Dileep-style comedic situations. However, at over 150 minutes, the film feels stretched, with a slow-paced first half and incomplete subplots of other residents.

Despite these drawbacks, Dileep delivers his usual charming performance, blending emotional depth with comedic flair, likely appealing to family audiences. However, the film’s one-sided narrative and lack of nuanced storytelling may leave some viewers wanting more.

Reviews

“Oru Nodi”: Lost Truths Amidst the Maze

Disturbed by her husband’s sudden disappearance, Sakunthala turns to Inspector Paruthi Ilamaaran for assistance. Initial inquiries suggest the involvement of a criminal syndicate based in Madurai and a corrupt politician. As Paruthi delves deeper into the investigation, he is faced with the unsettling murder of a young woman. Motivated by a quest for justice, Paruthi embarks on unraveling the mysteries surrounding both cases, determined to unmask the perpetrator.

Published

1 week ago

April 27, 2024

The Crowd Puller

Inspector Paruthi Ilamaaran, portrayed by Thaman Kumar, is confronted with two challenging cases. The first revolves around the disappearance of Sekaran, who owes a significant debt to the merciless loan shark Karimedu Thiyagu. Thiyagu operates under the protection of the arrogant and corrupt MLA Thirugnana Moorthy. Paruthi employs unconventional methods to extract information from Thiyagu’s associates, resorting to forceful interrogation tactics. Meanwhile, the murder of a young woman named Parvathy adds further complexity to the investigation. As Paruthi delves deeper into these cases, he grapples with moral dilemmas, finding honesty amidst the brutality of his methods. His quest to piece together the truth from fragmented confessions becomes his only hope of unveiling the true culprits behind the crimes.

“A more concise screenplay and a heightened sense of suspense throughout could have taken the film to the next level, creating a truly gripping and immersive experience.“

“Oru Nodi” attempts to captivate audiences with its myriad twists and turns but ends up feeling overstuffed. The abundance of suspects makes it challenging to keep track, and the eventual connection between the two cases becomes predictable. The film’s pacing suffers from prolonged sequences, such as frequent tea shop discussions and random visits, which fail to maintain suspense. While the narrative has its shortcomings, it offers insights into the complexities of crime and the blurred lines of truth. Thaman Kumar delivers a compelling performance as Inspector Paruthi, commanding the screen with his presence. The supporting cast effectively complements Kumar, bringing their characters to life.

Technically, the film is competent, with functional cinematography and editing. Sanjay Manickam’s background score enhances the scenes without overshadowing them. Despite its intriguing premise, “Oru Nodi” falls short due to its scattered focus and lack of suspenseful buildup. A tighter screenplay could have transformed it into a truly gripping cinematic experience.

Reviews

“Rathnam”: Vishal Takes the Spotlight in a Logic-Defying Show

A passionate young man residing near the Andhra border, deeply repelled by any mistreatment of women, sets out on a dangerous quest. His mission: to protect a vulnerable young woman, strikingly reminiscent of his own mother, from the relentless pursuit of a dangerous gang.

Published

1 week ago

April 27, 2024

The Crowd Puller

Rathnam (Vishal), a volatile and troubled individual, acts as the enforcer for MLA Panneer Selvam (Samuthirakani), enforcing his own brand of justice through aggression and intimidation. Tormented by a dark past, Rathnam struggles to restrain his violent tendencies. This becomes evident when he reacts violently upon learning of a schoolgirl’s abuse, seeking brutal retribution. The entry of Mallika (Priya Bhavani Shankar), a nurse resembling his mother, adds another layer of complexity to his life. Rathnam feels compelled to protect her and soon discovers she’s targeted by thugs sent by Beema Rayudu (Murali Sarma), a notorious land grabber from Andhra Pradesh. Thus begins a bloody rampage as Rathnam fights to shield Mallika and thwart Rayudu’s ruthless schemes.

“It follows the classic Hari formula: action-packed, fast-paced, and relentless. However, even by his usual standards, there are moments where it feels a bit sluggish.“

Directed by Hari, Rathnam is primarily 90 minutes of action and violence, interspersed with moments of drama. It’s not a film focused on intricate plots or deep character arcs; rather, it’s about Vishal’s portrayal of raw aggression. The subplot involving Mallika feels somewhat contrived, especially with her parents’ extreme actions over land disputes. However, the film makes it clear that Vishal’s character is the central focus, showcasing his ability to unleash chaos upon his adversaries.

While Rathnam boasts adrenaline-fueled sequences, some may find certain action scenes repetitive, contributing to a sense of sluggishness in the film’s pacing. However, once you embrace the film’s style, the relentless action becomes its own spectacle, featuring knives, machetes, and thrilling car chases. Vishal’s dominance on screen is undeniable, portraying Rathnam with a mix of agility, intensity, and rugged charm. Priya Bhavani Shankar delivers a commendable performance despite her limited role, while Samuthirakani adds depth to the narrative as the MLA.

The film’s soundtrack by Devi Sri Prasad combines masala numbers with emotionally charged melodies, complementing the fast-paced action. M. Sukumar’s cinematography captures the essence of Hari’s vision, bringing the intense action sequences to life.