BOTTOM LINE
Only Subbarao shines
RUNNING TIME
127 minutes.
OUR RATING
What is “Second Hand” about?
Second hand is a film that deals with love from the perspective of few individuals. Most of these individuals happens to be male and hence a male point of view can be seen in the movie overall.
How are the performances?
There are basically five different characters in the film with each having a unique characterization of their own. It’s this unique characterization that attracts the audience rather than the actual performance from the actors. Take for example the characterization of Subbarao (played effectively by Kireeti Damaraju), it turns out to be a major highlight of the film not because the actor playing showcases a great performance but because of the characterization. Similarly there are few well etched characterizations which are let down by the actors playing them. Heroine Dhanya Balakrishnan, gets the biggest challenge as an actor in the film and she tries her best to live up to the challenge but her rawness is soon visible.
How is Kishore Tirumala’s direction?
Direction by Kishore Tirumala is a mixed bag. He has good written material and he manages to present it as it is as best without adding anything cinematic to the narrative that engages. The imagination of heroine as love interest and the related twist to it in the beginning of the second half is the only cinematic enhancement over the written material that works fine. Once that is done with the film loses its tempo completely and everything else after it looks like a rushed product waiting to end. The loopy screenplay is fine initially but doesn’t add much in the end.
Is the content too vulgar? ?
The films is based on what is happening in reality so yes there are certain double meaning innuendos but even they are not downright vulgar as seen in few recent films. The film is however completely misogynistic.
How is Music, Songs and Dances and other departments?
Music is used sparingly in the narrative which is fine. The songs are alright largely thanks to the lyrics but it’s the usage of old song and Ilayaraja bits as part of background that shine through out. Editing is first rate by SR Sekhar as it keeps the proceedings peppy throughout. However things could have been tidier in the second half.
Highlights?
Dialogues
Subbarao characterization
Drawbacks?
Second half
Hurried ending
What about its box office prospects?
The film if promoted well might find takers initially among the youth. But the poor second half will still be a hindrance for a smooth run. With releases coming up in the coming weeks that are more hyped, the film will find it hard to maintain a smooth run going forward. Going purely on the current slate of movies, the film would be lucky to do average business.
Did I enjoy it?
Partially.
Will you recommend it?
No.
Reviewed by Siddhartha
