'Cinema Bandi' is now streaming on Netflix. In this section, we are going to review the indie film, produced by Raj Nidimour and Krishna DK.
Story
The story is set in an Andhra village. Veera (Vikas Vasishta) is an auto-rikshaw driver who finds an expensive camera in his auto because a city couple forgot their bag. He goes to his friend Gana (Sandeep Varanasi), a small-time photographer. Veera and Gana decide to make a feature film with the camera by casting their fellow villagers in a love story.
Maridesh Babu (played by Rag Mayur), a barber, joins them as the male lead. A school girl Divya (Trishara) and Manga (Uma Yaluvalli), too, team up with them. And Veera's wife (Sirivennela Yanamandhala) becomes the emotional anchor. Can they successfully complete the film?
Performances
The story is set in an Andhra village. Veera (Vikas Vasishta) is an auto-rikshaw driver who finds an expensive camera in his auto because a city couple forgot their bag. He goes to his friend Gana (Sandeep Varanasi), a small-time photographer. Veera and Gana decide to make a feature film with the camera by casting their fellow villagers in a love story.
Maridesh Babu (played by Rag Mayur), a barber, joins them as the male lead. A school girl Divya (Trishara) and Manga (Uma Yaluvalli), too, team up with them. And Veera's wife (Sirivennela Yanamandhala) becomes the emotional anchor. Can they successfully complete the film?
Technical aspects
For a film that is hardly 1 hr 35 minutes long, music director Satyavolu Sirish had to compose about four montage songs. They are good enough and add to the texture of the film. They are either playful or philosophical.
The cinematography by Apporva Shaligram and Sagar YVV is able. Editing by Kakarla Dharmendra and Girijala Raviteja is okayish.
Analysis
Debutant director Praveen Kandregula makes the mark if you see the film as an artless independent attempt sans ambition. Since this is an OTT release, there is no way its success can be measured in terms of box-office figures. As for critical acclaim, it depends on whether you can enjoy the laidback film in the comfort of your home at a time when a fierce pandemic is browbeating India.
'Cinema Bandi' has got a charm of its own. There are no major situations. The conflicts get resolved in no time. To that extent, it could have been 'Cinema Amrutham' where Amrutha Rao and Anji don't have to bother about an Appaji threatening to spoil the party. And the film should have got a Sarvam to add to the innocent vibes.
The small-town charm is reminiscent of 'Care Of Kancharapalem', while the film within the film has no such realism. We never grow interested in the film within the film. Is it a parody or is there more to it? How do Veera and the old man who wrote the script envision it?
While the film takes off well, it suffers from lack of sustained engaging moments. The last 15 minutes feel heavily rushed.
Closing Remarks
'Cinema Bandi' is watchable. For an OTT film sans Box-Office targets, it lives up to average expectations. Give it a try, but don't expect top-class creativity.
