'Middle Class Melodies' is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The small-budgeted movie, produced by Bhavya Creations, is one of the few direct-to-streamer releases of the year. In this review, we tell you what the film is like and what to expect and not to expect from it.
Story
Raghava (Anand Deverakonda), the son of a middle-class man (Goparaju Ramana) sets up a tiffin centre in Guntur against all odds in the hope that he will not only realize his childhood dream but also get to marry Sandhya (Varsha Bollamma), his 'maradalu' and secret girlfriend. But things are not so easy and his obstacles look stubborn. How he overcomes them, together with his parents and girlfriend, is the crux of the second half.
Performances
Anand delivers a largely okayish act. He was much better in 'Dorasaani', his debut movie. He offers sincerity, but the director should have extracted a more fleshed-out performance. Varsha Bollamma, who has played a full-fledged role for the first time since 'Chusi Choodangane', passes muster. Chaitanya Garikapati, who plays the male lead's trusted friend, is so-so. Divya Sripada, who has been seen of late in movies such as 'Colour Photo', is neat. Prem Sagar, Surabhi Prabhavati and others fit the bill. Tharun Bhascker plays a cameo.
Technical aspects
Sweekar Agasthi of 'Care Of Kancharapalem' implements the principle of minimalism once again. The 'Sandhya' song is a highpoint. Sunny Kurapati's cinematography is decent.
Plus Points
The last 20 minutes are meaty.
The idea of depicting the economic and other problems faced by typical lower-middle-class people is respectable.
The love story is realistic.
The element of projecting horoscope as unscientific is subtle but delivers the right message.
Minus Points
The film is generally slow-paced.
There is a strong Mollywood flavour hanging over the entire length of the film.
The behaviour of the elders of the lead pair is monotonous after a point.
The comedy is weak, by and large.
Raghava's problems get solved quite fast as the climax inches closer.
Analysis
'Middle Class Melodies' works as a laid back OTT watch. Watch it while having snacks with pretty low expectations and it may not be unbearable. At the end of the day, it's shades better than a mediocre short film and would be quite off the mark if you expect a gripping narrative from it.
