BOTTOM LINE
Sincere, But Superficial
OUR RATING
1.75/5
CENSOR
U, 1h 46m
What Is the Film About?
Shiva (Santosh Soban) and Shruti (Priya Bhavani Shankar) are a newlywed couple living in an apartment. Shruti is the one earning among the two, as Shiva is jobless. Does this lead to any problems between them? What happens when Shruti finds a job for her husband? The movie’s basic plot is how their story end and what’s needed for a young married couple to be happy.
Performances
Santosh Sobhan picks another role that suits his personality and strengths. He plays a youngster who is newly married and jobless. It is an instantly relatable role to the youth, which he breezes through easily. There are no heavy-duty emotional blocks or lengthy monologues here. The simple conversations and chemistry are the key here where he is adequate.
Priya Bhanavi Shankar, too is a good choice for the part. The modern yet homely vibe essential for the character works to her advantage. Again, it is a simple part without too much dramatisation or anything too high on the glamour aspect. The simple day-to-day actions drive the narrative, and she does the required.
Analysis
Anil Kumar Aalla directs Kalyanam Kamaneeyam. It is a straightforward tale of relationships between a young, newlywed couple. The basic concept is nothing new, but a relatable angle concerning the job is added to spice things up.
Well, first things first, there is a visible sincerity with how things proceed. The team looks interested in what they are doing and believes in it. But is that necessary? This is the question one asks when watching the movie theatrically.
The movie opens on a very routine note, usually seen in small films in an urban setting. The introduction and the wedding, and the subsequent nods to love and affection are all nothing new. But kudos to the team for not going the titillating way. This adds to the sincerity vibe that’s mentioned previously.
The real drama begins when the job issue arises, and Shruti tries to help her husband. Things take a non-cliche approach, as no battle of egos is shown here. Instead, what we get is a drama out of misunderstanding.
While the approach is acceptable, it feels too simple simultaneously. There is no meat to the happenings or drama or high stakes attached to the whole proceedings. The characters have minor conflicts and issues, and things are not alright, but at a lighter level.
Everything gives a short film feel for the big screen, given what transpires and the length. The feel-good factor is correct, but even the lighter content must have a depth which is missing here. The chief culprit here is the writing, more than anything.
The second half offers a simple resolution to the issue at hand. The problem is solved with ease as the reality of the people gets revealed. Then there is a message at the end providing a context and theme to the proceedings. It all feels to happen quickly when we look back, but while the proceedings take shape, they drag. The reason is the missing depth and the focus on superficial details.
Overall, Kalyanam Kamaneeyam is the kind of outing that comes across as something more than a short film but, at the same time, has no cinematic appeal. More depth would have given it a chance, but as it is, it is more of an OTT viewing instead of deserving a theatrical visit.
Performances by Others Actors
Kalyanam Kamaneeyam has a limited artist presence. We have the parents on the boy and the girl side, and then there are the friends and colleagues at the workspace. Among the few, Kedar Shankar and Devi Prasad get a few moments each and are okay. Satyam Rajesh, seen playing another character role, is acceptable. The rest of the cast is alright, with the hero’s friend registering among them.
Music and Other Departments?
Sravan Bharadwaj’s music is soothing and feels nice in the movie. However, once we are out, the songs fade out of the memory. They work while the film runs, and that’s it. Karthik Gattamaneni’s cinematography is good. There is a decent quality to the visuals despite it being a low-budget affair. Coming to the editing, given the content, it feels like if Satya G were to be ruthless, there wouldn’t be much of a film left. The writing is decent, only in parts. Consistency and depth are missing.
Highlights?
Ending Dialogues
Music
Length
Drawbacks?
Wafer Thin Story
No Real Drama
Did I Enjoy It?
No
Will You Recommend It?
No
Kalyanam Kamaneeyam Movie Review by M9News
Final Report:
Kalyanam Kamaneeyam is another example of a film made with a basic idea that feels relatable yet lacks the depth to leave any impact. Even during the festival period, it will be a struggle with such sincere but underdeveloped content.
First Half Report:
Kalyanam Kamaneeyam has a very simple plot with a thin conflict point so far. We have to see how the second half goes to make the movie worth the big screen.
— Kalyanam Kamaneeyam U.S. premiere started. A struggling son wants to get married without a job, reluctant father agrees.
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Kalyanam Kamaneeyam Cast: Santosh Sobhan, Priya Bhavani Shankar
Director: Anil kumar Aalla
Produced By : UV Concepts
Music director : Sravan Bharadwaj
Co-director : Venu Palli
Co Producer: Ajay Kumar Raju P
Cinematography : Karthik Gattamneni
Editor : Satya G
Kalyanam Kamaneeyam Review by M9News
