'Dear Megha' is playing in theatres from today (September 3). Let's find out what works and doesn't work.
Story
The film begins with Megha Swaroop (Megha Akash) standing on a train track. We sense that something has gone terribly wrong in her life. The film then narrates her relationship with two men.
Arjun (Arjun Somayajula), who was her collegemate three years ago, is back in her life. In the later part of the story, she bumps into Adhi (Adith Arun), an easy-go-happy guy. Their friendship blossoms pretty fast. What is in store next? What turn does the love triangle take? Answers to these questions are found in the last 30 minutes of the film.
Performances
After playing a girl who was wronged in 'Raja Raja Chora', Megha Akash essays the poignant Megha Swaroop with confidence. Films like 'LIE' have cast her in typical roles. This film gives her the titular role as well as the space to carry the aura of the drama. Her scenes with Arun Adith work because of the striking chemistry. The 'PSV Garuda Vega' and '11th Hour' actor proves his mettle in the emotional scenes. His presence in the montage songs is an added plus.
Debutant Arjun Somayajula might evolve into a better actor if he lands the right characters in the future. Pavithra Lokesh is adequate.
Technical Departments
'Aamani Unte', one of the best melodies in recent times, is soothing. The film leverages Hari Gowra's music in the best possible manner, especially without making them feel intrusive. The Sid Sriram-crooned 'Bagundhi Ee Kaalame' is another huge plus.
The visual aura of the film could have been intelligent. Director of Photography I Andrew should have gone for the creative use of the colour palette. Prawin Pudi's editing and PS Varma's art direction stand out.
Analysis
'Dear Megha', a remake of 'Dia' (Kannada; 2020), is not your regular storyline. The nature and quality of its unusual storyline set it apart from the run-of-the-mill love stories that we get to watch on an average Friday. To the credit of director A Sushanth Reddy, he doesn't go for a songless remake. He conceives even a college campus song that is driven by Megha's characterization. He also gives a tragedy song for her.
The film's strengths obviously lie in its storyline and music. If the former is somewhat shocking and can be found to be difficult to digest (given the nature of the climax), the latter is profound.
Unfortunately, the plus points are too limited. The potential of the storyline comes undone by the bland screenplay. A lot of the dialogues just fall flat while the intention was to make them sound breezy or heart-felt.
At just about 2 hours, 'Dear Megha' is not lengthy. In fact, it could have lasted longer and we wouldn't have complained had the script known how to make the audience feel the pain of Megha and the men in her life. The scenes between Adhi and his mother are unremarkable. There is nothing touching about them despite all the fun and melodrama they come with.
There is so much content in the final act. The scenes could have been laced with a haunting feel. Despite the support of the music, the impact is ordinary.
Closing Remarks
'Dear Megha' has got an excellent storyline sans a haunting impact. Its songs are fab, but the scenes are not conceived well.
