Adbhutham Movie Review - Novel Idea – Weak ExecutionBOTTOM LINE
Novel Idea – Weak Execution

OUR RATING
2.25/5

PLATFORM
Disney Plus Hotstar


What Is the Film About?
A strange scientific occurrence or, in other words, a miracle brings together Surya (Teja Sajja) and Vennela (Shivani Rajasekhar) at their lowest. They talk to each other via phone even though both have the same number. Slowly they fall in love with each other.

However, there is a twist in the tale that separates Surya and Vennela. What’s the ‘twist’ that is keeping them apart? Did they eventually meet is the movie’s plot.

Performances
Teja Sajja, who has had two theatrical releases, is back with a third outing. The character of Surya fits him perfectly. It is primarily a lighter vein role with a small dose of emotional moments in parts. The former helps him go through the narrative with ease. The dialogue diction helps in that case. But, when it comes to the latter (emotional), there is a visible unease and missing naturalness in Teja Sajja. Work has to be done in that aspect.


Analysis

Mallik Ram directs Adbhutam. Prashanth Varma provides the story to the flick, which is the essential difference between a routine love story and something novel.

Adbhutam draws us in within a few minutes. It is courtesy of the hook that it begins with. There is a curiosity to know what happens next. And while one is at it, the entertainment is neatly blended into the narrative.

Still, there is a rushed feeling at the same time. It is due to the hurried emotions and sketchy background details. The latter doesn’t turn out to be much of an issue, though. But, there isn’t much of an emotional appeal.

The entertainment, writing, and the story itself, keep one glued to the proceedings despite the minor shortcoming. Small twists related to the main track are well integrated into the proceedings. The comedy and romance revolve around it and is adequate. A neatly done interval bang raises the expectations on the second half.

The beginning of the second half shows that weaknesses seen in the first half will stay and expand. The emotional journey of the hero and heroine (together and in their respective worlds) are not executed well. The father and son track especially lacks meat for all the overdramatization.

A downward graph is visible ten minutes into the second half, and it remains that way for the rest of the narrative. Once again, the comic relief and some well-written words (the grandma dialogues, for example) hold the attention intermittently. These small parts don’t let the whole thing crumble away.

The pre-climax gives an impression of things getting back on track, but the climax turns out to be a disappointment. The logic of the world (related to science or miracle or belief) is not presented well. It feels as if the team is in a hurry to wrap things up. The emotional track is underwhelming, be it the love or the father-son.

Overall, Adbhutam has a novel idea (albeit inspired) for the central plot. It does well initially to get the viewers interested and invest in it too. And then it fizzles out. Give it a try if you like to see something intriguing story-wise, but have very low expectations.


Others?
Shivani Rajasekhar makes her debut with Adbhutam. She is alright. Unlike most heroines, Shivani gets a meaty role for her debut, which has its presence throughout. But, she could have still done better. The focus has entirely been on the fun and dramatic side, and she delivers reasonably on both counts.

Devi Prasad is adequate playing the frustrated father. Thulasi shines in a role that is tailor-made for her. The character is also crucial to the narrative, which also helps her case. Sathya and Chammak Chandra provide comic relief. They are good at doing their respective roles.

Music and Other Departments?
Radhan provides the music for the film. It feels surprisingly dated, though. Vidya Sagar Chinta’s cinematography is poor. There are some decent looking portions initially, but things get progressively worst. The whole thing looks like a short film, after a point. The editing by Garry BH is adequate. Lakshmi Bhupala’s writing is good, for the most part, and elevates the proceedings initially.


Highlights?
Story

Screenplay

Dialogues

Drawbacks?
Weak Climax

Missing Emotional connection

Rushed Making In Parts


Alternative Take
Better writing and developed father and son track is a nice start. But more than that, the story’s scientific (logical) progress should be expanded and written with the same vigour as the rest.

Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, in Parts

Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Huge reservations

Adbhutham Movie Review by Siddartha Toleti