Fidaa Telugu Movie Review

This is refreshing stuff. True to its title, this is something falling for. At no point in time does Shekhar Kammula falter or go overboard. There is a touching sincerity to script and purpose to narration. It has the style and fizz that is so uncommon to a film which even otherwise makes for compelling viewing. It is some magical moments, canned magically (Vijay Kumar) with some heart touching moments designed to perfection by a script by the film maker himself. What is outstanding about the movie is its perfection in degree. Never over stated. Dramatic without being over the top. This calls for a perfect reading of the pulse and fine understanding of the media. This is further decorated with some amazing sense of storytelling.
Two brothers Raju (Raja Chemboulu) and Varun (Varun Tej) live in the USA with their little brother. Raju comes to India to a picturesque space in Telangana in search of a bride. The boisterous sister of the bride to be Banu (Sai Pallavi) is one who loves to defy social norms. Not before long she falls in love with Varun but refuses to admit to it. Before she can, things take a toll and misunderstandings creep in. There are subtle statements on women empowerment that are sneaked into the story without being pompous. It is refreshing to see a normal family in the backyard without bursting with aunts and uncles. Also it is even more enlightening to see a self-respecting Dad who brings up his two daughters and gives them the space they deserve in life. In a way there is a wonderfully understated feminist hue to the entire story.
Yet another aspect that adds rich quality to the entire narrative is the brilliance of Sai Pallavi who gives the script the gay abandon that Jaya Bhaduri gave Uphaar and Guddi. Unmatched fizz compelling sincerity and some magical screen presence. For once we have a heroine who is not objectified and is full of beans and real. Matching her with a warm calm is Varun Tej who adds his own personal charm and is not robbed of it in the muscle showing exercise.
Just at a time when grandeur is getting the better of storytelling, when exaggeration rules the style, Shekhar sets his premise. He takes a simple middle class family in the background of Telangana and tells the life to two siblings seemingly as different as chalk is from cheese. Yet they bond. As do the brothers. The film maker eschews the usual dramatic pot shots. The film moves away from needless violence, crass jokes. Every moment is a style statement flowing in context and streaming with ease. Not since Mouna Raagam (Mani Ratnam) has style been so intricately wedded to a narrative and told with sincerity. Raw moments tug your heart, romantic moments sweep your mood, the stars tell as if they are going through an experience and the film maker wields the megaphone with dexterity and command. This Monsoon Wedding is worth watching. A wonderful fare.

L. Ravichander.