Rating : 3.25/5
Starring: Naga Chaitanya, Sai Pallavi, Easwari Rao, Rajiv Kanakala, Uttej, Devayani
Love Story is a film that was delayed for over a year. After a long wait, this much hyped romantic drama is finally out on the big screens and let’s see how it is.
Story:
Revanth (Chay Akkineni) is from a lower caste whose only aim is to set up a Zumba dance academy in Hyderabad. On the other hand, Mounika (Sai Pallavi) is from an upper caste and is trying hard to get a job. Left with no choice, she joins Revanth’s dance class as a teacher. Sparks fly and the couple falls in love. The rest of the story is as to how the couple faces many issues in their relationship and come out successfully.
Plus Points:
One of the biggest assets of the film is maturity in the love story. This film is not a regular boy meets girl romance and touches upon some of the darkests issues like caste, gender identity, and rape.
Sai Pallavi gets a new dimension in her role and is superb as Mounika. The manner in which she goes through a turmoil and how it effects the love story is showcased so well by the noted actress. Eeshwari Rao is also amazing as Chay’s mother and elevates the proceedings.
Rajeev Kanakala gets a solid negative role and proves his talent big time. Though he does not have many dialogues, he emotes so well with his expressions. Ananda Chakrapani is neat in his brief role. Uttej gets a key character and does well.
Last but not the least, Chay Akkineni is the biggest highlight of the film. He as Revanth gives an award winning performance and wins your heart with his role. Chay’s transformation as a lower caste guy is just terrific and the way he showcases the subtle emotions is amazing. Watch out for Chay’s outburst in the climax.
Minus Points:
The entire first half is used to establish the characters and this takes a lot of time. Though the proceedings are breezy, nothing much happens in the love story.
There is a child rape angle in the film and it is addressed only in the last half an hour. If things would have been told from at least the middle of the second half, the drama would have been even better.
The pre-climax is intense but the climax is wrapped up abruptly which gives a mixed feeling. The so called romanctic moments one expects from Shekhar Kammula film are slightly missing here.
Technical Aspects:
Music of the film is amazing and has well composed songs. They also drive the narrative ahead and are placed perfectly in the second half. Choreography for Saranga Dariya is just amazing. Production values of the film are very good and camera work showcases the simple set up in a very good way. Dialogues are amazing and a special mention for the amazing production design.
Coming to the director Sekhar Kammula, he has done a very good job with his romantic drama. His films are light on drama but here, he gives more preference to it and elevates proceedings from the beginning itself. The maturity he showcases in the romance is also quite endearing. Sekhar extarcts solid performance from Chay and also addresses key issues of society in a very perfect manner.
Verdict:
On the whole, Love Story is mature romantic drama that address key issues like caste system and gender inequality. Chay Akkineni is the biggest highlight of this film and the dramatic narration make things interesting. Barring the slow pace, this film has all the trappings to work at the box office and is a sensible film to watch out for.
