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.