BOTTOM LINE
Comedy Works Drama Drags
OUR RATING
2.75/5
CENSOR
‘U/A’ Certified, 2 hrs 20 mins.
What is the film about?
What happens when a ghost falls in love with a guy is basically what the film is about. The ghost Amala falls in love with Arjun (Nikhil) but Nikhil loves Nithya (Hebah Patel). Who is the ghost in reality and what happens in the end?
How Is Nikhil’s Performance?
Nikhil is managing his career very well. He isn’t showing too much variation but his script selection and controlled action he is managing to hold things together. He is also slightly pushing on the dramatic front from cinema to cinema which is good to note. There are no comments as far as performance required for this film goes but at times we surely get a feeling that the comedians are overshadowing him. He should be upping his game during those portions.
Direction by VI Anand?
Vi Anand has chosen an interesting theme in his previous film too. it dealt with the honour killings. The problem with the film was a simple story built up to the revelation. First of all, it didn’t feel that shocking or new and second what happens after the core point is revealed. In both those points, the director fails to generate the maximum impact.
The same problem persists with Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada as well. The film is neatly built up to a point to give us the so-called fresh revealing. The “21 grammes” soul concept gives that fresh vibe for a moment but everything that happens after it or even before, in terms of story, they are very predictable.
The good thing is the timing and chemistry between the hero and comedians. Together they generate all the fun in the film. The beginning of the second half for example and when Vennela Kishore returns, they are just too good. In terms of the story despite the predictability the director manages well for the most part but during the pre-climax and climax that solid hold is lost. In the end, fresh presentation with superb entertainment saves the film despite somewhat predictability.
Hebah Patel and Others?
Two heroines are present in the film and they both have relevance to the story. Hebah Patel just carries on her Kumari 21F act. Nandita Swetha is better in terms of performance compared to Hebah Patel, though.
The real scene stealers in the film are Sathya and Vennela Kishore. They are too good and almost all their punches land. It is their pairing with the hero and the combined chemistry that is the mainstay of the film more than the actual story. Even Praveen in the few scenes he has shows a good spark. The rest have no real impact.
Music and Other Departments?
Music by Sekhar Chandra is good and so is the background score. The cinematography is good, especially the Kerala sequences. Editing is neat, except during the last half an hour. Dialogues are good.
Highlights?
Story
Interval
Comedy (Sathya, Vennela Kishore)
Drawbacks?
Weak climax
Unnecessary drama
Predictability towards the end
Alternative Take
The film itself feels like an alternative take on Premakatha Chithram. The love element is freshly added into this. Come to think of it, this also feels like an alternative take on the recently released Nandini Nursing Home as well.
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, for the most part.
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, with slight reservation, though.
Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada Review by Siddhartha Toleti
