Konda-Polam-ReviewBOTTOM LINE
Engaging, In Parts Only

OUR RATING
2.25/5

CENSOR
‘U’ Certified, 2h 22m


Panja Vaishnav Tej - Konda Polam Telugu Movie ReviewWhat Is the Film About?
Ravi (Vaishnav Tej) is a village guy who has completed his studies but struggling to get a job. He fails in multiple interviews due to a lack of self-belief and confidence.

After many rejections, Ravi comes home to his village escaping the city grind. Unfortunately, he is greeted with draught and terrible conditions. He is forced to do Konda Polam activity to help survive the sheep’s which otherwise would die of starvation. How Konda Polam changes Ravi’s life is the movie’s plot.

Performances
In his second outing, Vaishnav Tej has picked another relatable role. The struggle of a small-town guy with a lack of self-belief is identifiable. There is a visible stone face expression and it goes with the character. The fear aspect is neatly captured.

But, there is a lot more to the character of Ravi. It is not that convincingly portrayed by Vaishnav Tej. The clean-shaven look and single expression don’t help the cause. The romance and growth in confidence should have been conveyed clearly. The slight change, in the end, gives one hope, though. Maybe the serious face throughout is what the director intended.


Director-Krish-Analysis
Krish directs Konda Polam. It is based on a novel of the same name written by Sannapureddy Venkata Rami Reddy. The novelist is credited with the story and dialogues.

Konda Polam opens with the interview sequence and then the entire story is told in flashback. If the plot of coming of age wasn’t predictable, this makes it even clear.

We are soon transported into a village in Rayalaseema. A host of artists greet us with a lovely and lively rooted ‘Seema’ slang. It is maintained that way for authenticity. It also gives freshness to the proceedings.

The many artists and the language also create a little chaos initially. However, things soon settle down well. The take-off to KondaPolam and the initial sequence in the forest terrain gives a genuinely warm feel. It makes us look forward to the proceedings.

The way Ravi slowly learns the way of the mountains, the relationship with nature and animals are all engagingly portrayed. The life lessons are smoothly integrated into the narrative.

The problem, however, slowly starts to creep in via the screenplay. The narrative begins to get meandering. Some characters seem to appear out of the blue and the attacks and fight back, they all lack a cohesive quality.

There is a neatly established and growing relationship between Ravi and Obu in the beginning. The teasing and giving lessons to handle the terrain all fit properly into the theme, initially. However, the subsequence development of the romance between the two is not done convincingly. It feels so abrupt and kills the flow of the movie.

Similarly, the track involving the red sanders is not etched properly. We get why it’s done, but the way it’s done and placed fails to create the impact.

The second half resumes with the problems created at the end of the first and takes them to the next level. The abrupt placement of songs, the lack of clarity with the proceedings, the entry of new characters etc. create a messy feel after a point.

There are some good moments, in between but the poor screenplay doesn’t allow the narrative to reach the high it aims.

After a lot of convolution and digression, the ending is well done. It creates a positive feel and gives a high, emotionally. The problem is that by that time one has lost interest.

Overall, Konda Polam’s predictable premise is elevated by the unique backdrop. It runs with it initially but is undone eventually by a meandering and unengaging narrative. Give it a try if you want to see something fresh content-wise, but keep the expectations very low.


Rakul Preet Singh - Konda Polam Telugu Movie ReviewRakul Preet Singh and Others?
Rakul Preet Singh seen after a long gap in Telugu gets a good role. It is a typical part but has a lot of fun and heart. Rakul Preet does well to get the required effect. Among the many supporting parts, Sai Chand easily stands out. He is superb in his role as a father and shepherd. Ravi Prakash gets an amazing scene to show his dramatic skills. The rest too are alright in the small roles.

Music-Director-MM-KeeravaniMusic and Other Departments?
The music by MM Keeravani works well within the narrative. A couple of songs act as speed breakers and are needless, though. The background score is terrific. The ‘Raiyya Raiyya’ chorus is infectious and stays with us even after leaving the hall. The cinematography by Gnanasekhar is excellent. The rustic village locations and forest backdrop are brilliantly captured. The editing could have been better. At times one gets the feeling of being lost and losing track of things. The writing is amazing. Amidst all the good work technically, the VFX comes across as a sore thumb. It is poor.


Sai-Chand-Highlights?
Backdrop
BGM
Writing
Cinematography
Casting

Drawbacks?
Screenplay
Forced Romance
Meandering Narrative


Alternative Take
A more focussed narrative with better integration of romance was the need of the hour. It could have been done if the love track started earlier between Ravi and Obu. The continuation also needs some rework.

Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts

Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Huge Reservations

KondaPolam Movie Review by Siddartha Toleti