Film Title: Thodelu (Bhediya)
Cast: Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Abhishek Banerjee, Deepak Dobriyal, Paalin Kabak
Director: Amar Kaushik
Producer: Dinesh Vijan
Music Director: Sachin – Jigar
Cinematography: Jishu Bhattacharjee
Editor: Sanyukta Kaza
Related Links: Trailer
Overview
Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan stars in “Bhediya,” a film with a unique concept, which has been dubbed in Telugu as “Thodelu” by Geetha Arts. Kriti Sanon plays the female lead. The movie has hit the screens today. Let’s delve into its details.
Plot
Bhaskar (Varun Dhawan), a civil engineer and road contractor, secures a project in the dense forests of Arunachal Pradesh by persuading his boss and putting up his assets as collateral. Accompanied by his cousin JD (Abhishek Banerjee), Bhaskar travels to Arunachal Pradesh, where he is bitten by a wolf, causing him to gradually transform into the creature. He seeks treatment from veterinary doctor Anika (Kriti Sanon). Will Bhaskar return to normalcy? What challenges will he face? Can JD and Anika save him? These questions are answered as the story unfolds.
Highlights
The film stands out for its unique creature-comedy concept, marking a first in Indian cinema. Special credit goes to the makers for this innovative attempt and for casting a star like Varun Dhawan, which elevates the film’s appeal. The movie is packed with thrilling moments and sequences crafted with precision.
Varun Dhawan delivers an exceptional performance, portraying Bhaskar with finesse. His depiction of a man bitten by a wolf is compelling, showcasing the pain and transformation his character undergoes. Kriti Sanon, as Anika, also shines in her role.
The storyline is well-paced from the beginning, maintaining a steady flow without unnecessary delays. A significant strength of the film is its humor, with comedic elements effectively integrated throughout both halves, keeping the audience entertained. Abhishek Banerjee, known for serious roles, excels in a comedic role here, eliciting laughs with his expressions and dialogue delivery. The supporting cast also performs well in their respective roles.
Drawbacks
The film does have its drawbacks. There are instances where the pace slows, and some scenes, especially in the second half, feel tedious and could have been edited out. The film loses some momentum post-interval, and the key twist becomes predictable due to certain scenes that could have been better executed or omitted for a greater impact. Towards the end, the narrative becomes somewhat routine, diminishing the overall impact. Additionally, some violent scenes, particularly in the first half, may be off-putting for some viewers.
Technical Aspects
The visual effects and 3D elements are well-executed, significantly enhancing the viewing experience. These aspects are complemented by the background score from Sachin-Jigar, though the songs themselves are average. The Telugu dubbing is commendable. Jishu Bhattacharjee’s cinematography beautifully captures the forested landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh. The editing by Sanyukta Kaza is adequate. Amar Kaushik’s direction is decent; he skillfully blends entertainment with a social message, although more attention to the critical twist and the pacing in the second half would have benefited the film.
Conclusion
“Thodelu” (Bhediya) is a film worth watching once, primarily for its social message and Varun Dhawan’s stellar performance. While it has its share of flaws, including occasional slow pacing and predictability, the humor and underlying message make it a decent choice for weekend viewing.