BOTTOM LINE
Claps For Aadhi, Forgetful Rest
OUR RATING
2/5
PLATFORM
SonyLiv
What Is the Film About?
Vishnu (Aadhi Pinishetty) is a potential national level athlete. However, a fatal accident leaves him handicapped. Still, he doesn’t lose interest in sport and is always on the lookout for the game he loves so much passionately.
One day Vishnu comes to know about Bhagya Lakshmi, a natural athlete who has no support. What are the odds they face? How Vishnu backs her to achieve her goal is the movie’s basic plot.
Performances
Aadhi Pinishetty has come up with yet another compelling act. He is the sole reason one sits through the duration. The pain, despair and frustration of a helpless person are neatly conveyed by the actor. He well and truly rises above the shoddy script.
Analysis
Prithvi Aditya directs Clap. It is a sports drama that tracks the journey of an athlete who wins against all odds.
The beginning of the film starts with a killer blow ‘literally’ as the hero is amputated. One might have different expectations of the film, but they are all put in an order with the accident.
Once we are done with Vishnu’s unfortunate incident, it is clear where the narrative is headed. Of course, it will still be true even if that was not the case. That is the problem with sports drama and only a few successful ones overcome it.
The narrative right from the start feels rushed. The making also gives it a short film vibe. The core conflict is handled in an extremely silly way. The issue of ego is not new, and so is the portrayal of oppression by the higher class, but that isn’t the problem with Clap. It’s the way the proceedings shape up which is the issue.
The class conflict feels forced into the narrative. It is why there is no impact whatsoever despite so much potential. The few twist and turns to keep the proceedings away from banality also are not written well.
And the biggest issue of all is the actual sport. It lacks the edge of the seat feel. There is no thrill in the running sequences. They all look visually insipid.
As mentioned previously, what makes one sit through the trite despite the issues is Aadhi. His sincere act makes one give the story a try. But, even he fails to hold attention during the climax moments. The tackiness is so overwhelming that it drowns whatever good bits the movie has to offer.
Overall, Clap is a sports drama with a predictable story. The tacky rushed, and patchy execution doesn’t let it create any impact. Watch it only for Aadhi’s sincere act or else stay away.
Others?
Aakanksha Singh playing a supporting housewife to an amputated athlete cum husband is good. She gives her best during the ending scene. It could have been developed better, though. Krishna Kurup playing the talented athlete is alright. She has one permanent expression plastered on her face. It works for the narrative initially, but in the final scheme of things fails to leave an impact.
Nassar overacts playing the head who is at loggerheads with Vishnu. It’s more to do with the characterisation than his performance. The same is the case with Brahmaji. Prakash Raj has a small role and he is okay. Senior actor Surya gets a decent role after a gap. Munshikanth has got a likeable role again. Mime Gopi is wasted. The rest of the actors are forgettable.
Music and Other Departments?
Maestro Ilaiyaraaja provides the music to the film. It is good as usual helping in bringing some depth to the proceedings. Praveen Kumar’s chromatography is terrible. The movie has a tacky vibe and short film look, and a large part of it is due to the visuals. The editing by Ragul gives Clap a patchy feel. The writing is ordinary, mostly.
Highlights?
Aadhi Pinishetty
Length
A Couple Of Emotional Moments
Drawbacks?
Rushed Narrative
Weak Conflict
Sport Sequences
Uneven Pacing
Alternative Take
A little bit of breathing room expanding the conflicts and drama with getting into a sluggish zone would have elevated the same stuff.
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, But Only In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Huge Reservation
Clap Telugu Movie Review by Siddartha Toleti
