Aarambham, a Telugu thriller starring Mohan Bhagat, releases in theaters today, May 10, 2024. Let’s delve into Piktalk’s review to see if this film lives up to its suspenseful premise.
The Story
Mighel (Mohan Bhagat), a mysterious prisoner, escapes from the high-security Kalaghati Jail without a trace. Puzzled by his disappearance, the authorities call in detectives Chaitanya (Ravindra Vijay) and Madhav (Abhishek Boddepalli) to investigate. As the investigation unfolds, shocking secrets about Mighel and his motives begin to surface. The film unravels the mystery behind his escape, exploring themes of deja vu and past connections.
Hits and Misses
High Notes:
- Fresh Perspective: Director Ajay Nag V deserves credit for attempting a unique storyline in Telugu cinema. This debut film showcases his potential for exploring unconventional narratives.
- Solid Performances: Mohan Bhagat delivers a compelling performance as Mighel. Ravindra Vijay shines as the determined detective Chaitanya, and Surabhi Prabhavathi is convincing as Mohan’s mother. Laxman Meesala provides some comedic relief.
- Emotional Moments: The film offers heartfelt scenes between Mohan Bhagat, Bhooshan Kalyan (Professor Subramanya Rao), and Mohan’s mother. The first half builds some intrigue with glimpses into Mighel’s past.
Low Notes:
- Uneven Exploration of Deja Vu: The film explores the concept of deja vu, but doesn’t delve deep enough to truly engage the audience. The scenes related to this theme could have been more captivating.
- Underdeveloped Characters: The emotional connection between the mother and son could have been stronger with better character development. Supritha Sathyanarayan’s character also lacks depth.
- Pacing Issues: Unnecessary flashbacks lead to sluggish moments, hindering the film’s flow. The investigation lacks thrilling sequences, making it less exciting.
Technical Aspects:
Director Ajay Nag V’s storytelling approach might not resonate with all viewers. The adaptation of the Kannada novel “Neenu Ninnolage Khaidi” could have benefitted from a tighter screenplay. Sandeep Angadi’s dialogues are decent, while Sinjith Yerramilli’s music adds a touch of serenity to the film. Devdeep Gandhi Kundu’s cinematography is average, and the editing by Preetam Gayatri and Aditya Tiwari could be sharper. Production values meet expectations.
The Verdict
While Aarambham boasts an intriguing premise and strong performances from Mohan Bhagat, Ravindra Vijay, and Bhooshan Kalyan, it ultimately falls short due to its pacing issues and underdeveloped themes. The lack of suspenseful investigation and shallow exploration of deja vu leave the audience wanting more. If you’re looking for a thrilling experience this weekend, Aarambham might not be the best choice.
Piktalk Rating: 2.25/5