Sri Simha Koduri, known for his diverse roles, presents his latest film, “Ustaad,” directed by Phanideep and starring Kavya Kalyanram as the female lead. Released today, let’s explore the film and its merits.
Plot Overview:
“Ustaad” follows the life of Surya (Sri Simha Koduri), a directionless young man whose life takes a transformative turn with the purchase of his first bike, named Ustaad by a mechanic played by Ravindra Vijay. Emotionally attached to his bike, Surya aspires to become a pilot and falls in love with Meghana (Kavya Kalyanram). However, Surya encounters obstacles in his love life, and the film unfolds the challenges he faces and whether he achieves his dream.
Highlights:
In this new chapter of Sri Simha’s career, his performance as Surya is commendable. Despite pacing issues in the first half, the portrayal of Surya’s character is engaging. Particularly, a pivotal scene involving Surya’s bike and childhood memories is well-executed, contributing to the character’s evolution.
Kavya Kalyanram delivers a solid performance, and Ravi Siva Teja stands out as a promising talent in Tollywood with impeccable comedy timing. The initial romantic portions are well-executed, and Anu Hasan performs adequately in her role.
Drawbacks:
While the interval block is well-designed, the second half disappoints with a prolonged love track that fails to captivate the audience. The delay in introducing issues within the relationship and the lack of emphasis on the protagonist’s professional life are notable drawbacks. Repetitive scenes and a slow-paced narrative in the second half test the viewers’ patience, detracting from the overall experience.
The film struggles with pacing issues, and the second half fails to advance the storyline effectively. Although Sri Simha Koduri delivers a strong performance, the film falls short due to unnecessary scenes and a lack of depth in supporting characters.
Technical Aspects:
Akeeva B’s musical compositions are noteworthy, contributing to the film’s appeal. Pavan Kumar Pappula’s cinematography is commendable, capturing the essence of the story. While the background score enhances the cinematic experience, editing could have been tighter to improve the film’s flow.
Debutant director Phanideep explores an interesting concept with the bike serving as a catalyst for the protagonist’s dream. However, the film falters in the second hour due to narrative issues. The director succeeds in creating some compelling moments in the first half but struggles to maintain the momentum.
Verdict:
In conclusion, “Ustaad” is a coming-of-age drama that falls short primarily due to narrative challenges. Despite a few commendable moments, the film is hindered by extended romantic sequences, unnecessary scenes, and a sluggish pace. While Sri Simha Koduri delivers a noteworthy performance, the overall execution makes “Ustaad” a somewhat disappointing watch.