'Urvasivo Rakshasivo', produced by Dheeraj Mogilineni and Vijay M, is presented by Allu Aravind. The film was released in theatres today.
Story
Sree (Allu Sirish) hails from a conservative background. At his urbane workplace, he befriends Sindhuja (Anu Emmanuel), a modern girl who boozes and doesn't mind casual fun. After a sexual encounter with her, Sree proposes to marry her. But when she asks him to not be serious about their relationship, Sree is shocked. After a few turns in their relationship, the Sree-Sindhuja duo have to discover what they really want from each other.
Performances
This one is Allu Sirish's return to the big screen more than three years after the release of 'ABCD'. The actor is reasonably convincing to watch as someone who fakes timidity and is fast in cozying up to a woman from an ultra-modern background. Anu Emmanuel approaches the bold role without inhibitions. After acting alongside big names like Pawan Kalyan and Allu Arjun, she is comfortable in her skin.
Sunil is funny but it is Vennela Kishore who shines the most. The former speaks in cricket lingo and metaphors. Kishore, who is the lead pair's colleague, is spot-on with his repartees. Aamani and Kedar Shankar as the male lead's parents get well-written parts. Posani Krishna Murali is wasted in stock scenes.
Technical aspects
Achu Rjamani-composed 'Dheemthanana', sung by Sid Sriram, is the best song, while 'Kalisunte' is good, too. 'Seethakoka Chiluka' is impressive, almost as good as the Sid Sriram song. His BGM is also fine.
Tanveer Mir's cinematography is praiseworthy. Editor Karthika Srinivas R and Art Director Srinagendra Tangala put in the required effort.
Analysis
This is a remake of 'Pyaar Prema Kaadhal', the 2018 Tamil-language romantic comedy. Written and directed by Rakesh Sashii, the film doesn't deviate from the original.
The initial portions track Sree's daily routine of rushing to the office just to catch a glimpse of Sindhu, an employee working in a building opposite his. We learn that it is love at nth sight for him. A soothing melody that embodies his mood follows, giving the film a temporary and partly misleading homely vibe. In step with his conservative background, Sree imagines himself and Sindhu in wedding attire. He is shown to be a sensitive guy prone to breaking down while watching the disturbing climax of 'Premisthe'.
Sunil is a cricket-crazy tailor who can't get over his cricket language. When he mischievously uses jargon like T20 and Test Match, you know what they mean in the context of Sree bedding his colleague.
Babloo Prithiveeraj as Sindhu's modern-minded father plays a dance trainer given to being empathetic. One feels the female lead's characterization could have been tighter. How come she breaks her dream of setting up a restaurant in Paris so late to Sree? But then, again, the character study is decent enough. She wants to realize her dream by dipping into her own savings.
Vennela Kishore's cheesy humour works in the context of the film. His references to web series, OTT platforms and shows like Mirzapur are a hoot. All the while, Sree continues to be the awkward, clueless and overeager chap that he can be.
Where could the film have been better? The conflict resolution is not greatly done. It is convenient to a large extent. Also, the teaser established Sindhu as a fun-loving character. In fact, the title of this film was 'Prema Kadanta' originally. Such a character makes a turnaround all of a sudden, which is not convincing.
Closing Remarks
'Urvasivo Rakshasivo' is an engaging film despite its minus points. Watch it with low expectations.
