Recently, the film “Kushi” has generated significant excitement, particularly due to its captivating songs. Starring Vijay Deverakonda and Samantha, this rom-com directed by Shiva Nirvana, known for heartwarming films like Majili and Ninnu Kori, has been extensively promoted. The film has now hit the screens, and let’s delve into its essence.
Plot Summary:
The storyline revolves around Viplav (Vijay Deverakonda), an employee at BSNL, who instantly falls for Aaradhya (Samantha). However, Aaradhya, to avoid Viplav, pretends to be a Pakistani Muslim. Eventually, Aaradhya reciprocates Viplav’s feelings and discloses her true identity as being from a conservative Brahmin family. Unbeknownst to them, their fathers, Lenin Satyam (Sachin Khedekar) and Chadarangam Srinivasa Rao (Murali Sharma), are at odds. Despite parental objections, Viplav and Aaradhya marry, leading to unforeseen challenges in their married life. The crux of the story lies in how they navigate and resolve these issues.
Highlights:
The film doesn’t delve into groundbreaking concepts but rather focuses on common relationship challenges, presented in a light-hearted manner in the second half. The conflict is complemented by excellent music and visually appealing scenes. Particularly, the scenes between the lead pair in the latter part resonate well with family audiences. Vijay Deverakonda impresses as Viplav, shedding his mass image for a convincing portrayal. Samantha shines with her lovely performance, displaying great chemistry with Vijay. The film successfully balances humor and emotion in its latter half, with commendable performances from the supporting cast.
Drawbacks:
The predictability of the plot in the later stages diminishes its impact. The movie’s length could have been shortened, especially in the Kashmir portions. The initial momentum is lacking, with the film finding its stride only after the pre-interval scene. Despite director Shiva Nirvana’s claim of addressing a sensitive issue, it doesn’t bring much novelty to the table, reminiscent of some earlier films.
Technical Aspects:
Hesham Abdul Wahab’s music stands out as a significant asset, enhancing the film’s appeal. The cinematography by Murali captures the songs captivatingly, contributing to a visually rich experience. Mythri Movie Makers maintains high production values, although the editing could have been more judicious.
Director Shiva Nirvana, while choosing a simple concept resonating with married life, executes it in his signature style. The film aligns with his approach of addressing relatable life issues. The strong casting and technical team add to the film’s overall quality.
Verdict:
In summary, “Kushi” is an enjoyable rom-com, with a particularly strong second half. The film’s central themes unfold adeptly, offering a mix of drama and emotion. The lead pair, Vijay Deverakonda and Samantha, deliver commendable performances, supported by a capable cast. However, the film could benefit from a shorter runtime and faces some pacing issues initially. Despite these concerns, Shiva Nirvana succeeds in crafting a film that resonates with family audiences, making “Kushi” a worthwhile watch for the weekend.