BOTTOM LINE
Bland And Boring Melodrama
OUR RATING
1.25/5
CENSOR
‘U/A’ Certified, 2 hrs 06 mins
What Is the Film About?
Mahi (Raj Tharun) and Varsha (Shalini Pandey) are friends in childhood. Varsha wants to become an actor like her grandfather, and Mahi picks photography due to Varsha. They separate eventually, and the fun activity eventually turns into career ambition.
Years later, Mahi is a successful photographer, but Varsha is still a struggling actor looking for a break. Mahi helps Varsha achieve her dream of becoming a star. All the while, he also waits for an opportunity to express his love. Will Mahi be able to express his love? What happens, in the end, is what the movie is all about?
How Is Raj Tarun’s Performance?
Raj Tarun is back with a new outing after more than a year. He returns with a mellowed down avatar and tries to act calm and sincere without the usual ‘hyper’ energy associated with him. The long gap, coupled with the character makes the part look ‘different’ coming from him.
Raj Tarun has done a decent job within his limited capabilities. There is nothing to complain, but at the same time nothing stands out that makes one notice his absence for such a long period.
Direction by G R Krishna?
GR Krishna makes his debut with Iddari Lokam Okkate. He has picked a simple subject, but as we say often, it is these simple stories that are mighty difficult to execute. Iddari Lokam Okkate proves to be a classic example.
The entire movie has to run on sweeping drama and emotions. The simplicity has to have a larger than life effect that captures time and space. Krishna is right with the vision which looks rich and glorified in every frame. The location Ooty naturally blends into the narrative.
Sadly, Krishna fails to incorporate any emotion into the proceedings. The first half especially gives an artificial vibe. Additionally, there is a constant, rushed feel. The movie just flows from scene to scene with no breathing space. The nauseating background score and music set in dizziness even though nothing unexpected or surprising happens on screen.
The second half feels better comparatively, only for the one reason, i.e. to know how it ends. But the lack of surprise and insipid and wannabe manipulative dialogues and emotions take away the effect. Some key sequences and flashback revelation provide no bite to the narrative. There is no gripping narrative.
The pre-climax portion offers the best moments from the film, or instead, it stands out due to what has preceded before it. The story aspect is what manages to engage despite utter predictability. Once the brief ‘moment’ passes, we are back to overdone melodramatic kitsch which we hope ends soon.
Overall, Iddari Lokam Okkate tries hard to be an epic star-crossed love saga and falls flat. The glossy visuals hide a hollow soul. If you have seen the trailer, probably that is enough.
Shalini Pandey and Others?
Shalini Pandey gets a role that seems to fit in with her real-life situation. It reflects in her onscreen performance as she acts like there might be no tomorrow. She is over the top and fully involved for the same reason. But, the weak writing kills all the effort.
Apart from the lead actors, the rest are underdeveloped and only appear in bits and pieces. Nassar, Rohini, Bharath, Sijju are some notable names present in the movie.
Music and Other Departments?
Mickey J Mayer overpowers the narrative with his music. Heard individually, the songs may feel fine, but when watching theatrically, it seems as if there is one continuous song playing from the start to end. The background score is the main reason for that effect. The cinematography by Sameer Reddy gives the movie a rich look. The editing by Thammi Raju could have been better. The writing lacks depth.
Highlights?
Parts of pre-climax
Cinematography
Short Duration
Drawbacks?
Predictable Story
Weak Screenplay
Hollow Emotions
First Half
Alternative Take
The movie is a remake of a Turkish film Love Likes Coincidences –you can watch that or watch A Star Is Born or Aashiqui 2. They all share a common core and are alternate takes in a way already.
Did I Enjoy It?
No
Will You Recommend It?
No
Iddari Lokam Okate Review by Siddartha
