BOTTOM LINE
Patience Testing Love Story
RATING
1.75/5
CENSOR
2h 18m, ‘U/A’ Certified.
What Is the Film About?
Narayana Reddy (Anjan Ramachendra) is a thirty-year-old unmarried guy. His parents and family arrange multiple proposals, but none work as Narayana Reddy doesn’t like them. Finally, the family’s wish of marrying him comes true as Narayana Reddy falls in love with Divya (Shravani Krishnaveni).
The family and friends expect Narayana Reddy, now fondly called Love Reddy, to propose to Divya and start the marriage process. However, there is a delay as Love Reddy is busy imagining his love with Divya. Did Love Reddy express his love? The movie’s basic plot is how their love story ends.
Performances
Anjan Ramachendra comes across as sincere and honest in the initial impression. He initially appears a little rigid, and one can’t help but feel like he is giving the vibe of a poor man’s Rakshit Shetty.
However, all said and done, Anjan suits the part and takes us on the narrative decently. The character doesn’t require heavy-duty performance (barring the end) and most of it is fun and banter with family and friends. Despite Anjan trying his best, the shortcomings are exposed in the crucial moments towards the end.
Shravani Krishnaveni starts silently as she has nothing much to do initially. It is not a glamour part and one expects a performance or chemistry from the female lead in subjects like these. During the first half, we get a glimpse of the latter, but nothing else happens.
However, during the all-important pre-climax and climax sequences, Shravani surprises and delivers a restrained emotional act. These final moments show that Shravani could have some potential and is not an Anjali knockoff.
Analysis
Smaran Reddy writes and directs Love Reddy. It is a love story based on true incidents. Whenever one catches a disclaimer like that at the start, an expectation automatically sets up in the mind. Love Reddy doesn’t disappoint on that score which ultimately turns out to be its Achilles heel.
Love Reddy opens on an intriguing note with a bruised hero getting on a bus. The narrative then shifts to a few months back, establishing the hero’s world and, eventually his love story.
The first thing that catches attention is the natural and authentic Rayalaseema dialogues. It isn’t as polished as one of the recent small movies set in a similar background, but, it nonetheless manages to get that feel of the soil.
Unfortunately, the good thing about Love Reddy, especially in the first half ends with that aspect. There is hardly any story or conflict in the first half. Only during the pre-interval moment, do we get a scene that’s engaging. The irony here is that even that scene is basically a recap of the events that have transpired until that point. Where is the “Love Scene” asks the friends and that’s a question that stays with the audience as well.
The first half ends on an ordinary interval mark and, then resumes even more predictably. Things turn more repetitive and the lack of progress with the story makes one uncomfortable within the first few minutes in the second half.
The real momentum story-wise kicks when a twist related to the story is revealed. Unfortunately, the impact is missing due to weak execution. The same trend continues going forward, as well.
The last half an hour is the crucial part of the entire movie. It is where all the drama, the meat of the movie lies. However, the execution is far from satisfactory. An unevenness in tone can be felt as the narrative oscillates between realistic approach, high-pitched drama (appearing cartoonish) and restraint.
Also, the events shaping up move from natural to highly routine (and overdone). At one point, a realistic approach taken from the female side regarding love, even though not so predictable, feels refreshing. But it soon enters the highly melodramatic and cliched zone. The ending, after those events, doesn’t particularly come as a shock. Even if one feels that way, the execution fails to give that solid impact.
Overall, Love Reddy is a love story based on real incidents which automatically trigger some expectations. Those come to the fore only during the last half an hour. Its execution isn’t up to the mark as three-fourths of the movie drags on predictable lines. Try it if you like real-life-based stories, or else stay away.
Performances by Others Actors
A bunch of actors are seen in supporting roles as the hero has an extended family comprising brothers and sisters-in-law, besides the parents. They are all okay at best.
The surprise from an actor during the climax portion delivers mixed results. It begins well but gets too cartoonish by the end.
Music and Other Departments?
Prince Harry’s music is alright. He follows the template religiously regarding the ‘sound’ and style that’s usually associated with movies in this space. The background score lacks a fresh feel.
The cinematography should have been better and so do the editing, considering the run time. The visuals fail to add anything to the feel and repetitiveness adds to a lengthy feel by the time the movie ends. The writing is okay.
Highlights?
Last Half An Hour
Shravani’s Act Towards The End
Drawbacks?
Comedy Track
Bland First Half
No Emotional Connect For A Long Period
BGM
Did I Enjoy It?
No. Barring a few moments of the emotional stretch towards the end.
Will You Recommend It?
No
Love Reddy Movie Review by M9
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