Chitram Choodara: An In-depth Review
Cast:
Starring: Varun Sandesh, Sheethal Bhat, Dhanraj, Shivaji Raja, Kasi Vishwanath, Ravi Babu
Director: RN Harshavardhan
Producers: Boyapati Bhagyalakshmi, Seshu Maramreddy
Music Director: Radhan
Cinematographers: Jawahar Reddy
Editor: Marthand K Venkatesh
Varun Sandesh’s most recent cinematic venture, “Chitram Choodara,” opted for a direct release on ETV Win, bypassing the traditional theatrical route. Directed by RN Harshavardhan, this crime comedy attempts to engage audiences with its narrative. Let’s delve into the film’s essence.
Plot Summary:
The story revolves around Mallesham (played by Shivaji Raja), a manager in a film production company, who discovers Bala (portrayed by Varun Sandesh), a talented artist from the Rukmini Drama Company. Impressed by Bala’s skills, Mallesham offers him a role in a feature film. Bala, accompanied by his friends Rangarao (Kasi Vishwanath) and Moddhu (Dhanraj), ventures to Hyderabad for the shoot. However, their aspirations take a detour when they are implicated in a robbery case involving 90 lakhs, leading to their arrest by C.I. Sarangapani (Ravi Babu). The narrative unfolds the reasons behind these aspiring artists resorting to crime and the role of Chitra (Sheethal Bhat) in the story.
Positives:
Shivaji Raja delivers a commendable performance, adding depth to the film despite its shortcomings in writing. The attempt to craft a unique romantic subplot is appreciable.
Negatives:
“Chitram Choodara” falters on various fronts, making it one of the most disappointing films in recent memory. Unlike similar genre films, the narrative takes an unusually long time to establish its core plot, resulting in a lack of engaging moments. The influx of characters within the initial 30 minutes adds confusion rather than clarity for the audience. Additionally, the film’s comedy fails to evoke genuine laughter, questioning its raison d’être.
Technical Critique:
The technical aspects of the film fall short of expectations. Radhan’s music lacks impact, while Jawahar Reddy’s cinematography fails to elevate the visual experience. The production values appear subpar, evident in several scenes, and the editing leaves much to be desired, with unnecessarily prolonged sequences.
Direction and Verdict:
RN Harshavardhan’s direction struggles to sustain audience interest throughout the runtime. The film lacks a compelling premise or an engaging screenplay to captivate viewers. Furthermore, it underutilizes Varun Sandesh’s talents, offering him minimal scope to shine. The decision to release the film on OTT platforms appears strategic, considering its shortcomings.
Final Thoughts:
In summary, “Chitram Choodara” is a lackluster crime comedy marred by an uninspiring storyline and poor execution. With its sluggish pace and underdeveloped characters, the film fails to leave a lasting impression. Audiences are advised to give this film a miss.