Review: “Meter” – A Routine Police Action Drama
Starring: Kiran Abbavaram, Athulyaa Ravi, Posani Krishna Murali, Sapthagiri
Director: Ramesh Kaduri
Producers: Chiranjeevi (Cherry), Hemalatha Pedamallu
Music Director: Sai Kartheek
Cinematography: Venkat C Dileep
Editor: Karthik Srinivas R
Kiran Abbavaram returns with his latest film “Meter,” featuring Athulya Ravi in her Telugu debut. Directed by Ramesh Kaduri, the movie explores the journey of Arjun Kalyan (Kiran Abbavaram), a spirited individual who reluctantly becomes a Sub Inspector in Hyderabad, deviating from his aspirations. As he navigates through unexpected encounters, particularly with Home Minister Kantam Baireddy (Dhanush Pawan), Arjun uncovers a startling truth, setting the stage for intrigue and action.
Highlights:
- Kiran Abbavaram delivers a commendable performance, showcasing versatility in an action-oriented role while maintaining his comedic timing and dance prowess.
- Dhanush Pawan impresses as the antagonist, engaging audiences in intense face-off sequences with Kiran Abbavaram, hinting at a promising future as a villain in Tollywood.
- Posani Krishna Murali and Sapthagiri contribute to the film’s entertainment value with their lively performances and witty dialogues.
Drawbacks:
- While Kiran Abbavaram’s attempt to establish himself as a mass actor is commendable, the film suffers from a lackluster and derivative storyline, relying heavily on clichés and predictable plot devices.
- The screenplay falls short in coherence and logic, with several scenes feeling exaggerated and implausible.
- Athulya Ravi’s character remains underutilized, limited to sporadic appearances and song sequences, adding little substance to the narrative.
Directorial and Technical Assessment:
- Director Ramesh Kaduri could have focused more on enhancing the screenplay and storyline to elevate the film’s impact.
- Sai Kartheek’s music and Venkat C Dileep’s cinematography contribute adequately to the film’s ambiance, while tighter editing could have improved pacing.
- Despite commendable production values, the overall execution lacks freshness and fails to captivate audiences.
Verdict:
“Meter” falls short of expectations, offering a mediocre portrayal of a police action drama characterized by a formulaic storyline and uninspired execution. While Kiran Abbavaram shines in his role, the film’s lack of innovation makes it a forgettable experience. Viewers seeking novelty may find little to appreciate, making it skippable fare.