The comedy genre is very difficult to present on screen as it involves a lot of fine-tuning and relevant punches to create maximum impact. Moreover, it requires dedication and courage to mix comedy with contemporary social issues that prevail in society in a heart-touching manner. The web series in Telugu, Lol Salaam is one such bold attempt which was produced by Ram Mohan P with Dope Telugu Studios Pvt Ltd. streaming now on Zee5.
Story
Five friends John (Bharadwaj), Naidu (Darahas Maturu), Reddy (Kivish Kautilya), Varma (Rohit Krishna Varma), and Khan (Srinivas Rami Reddy) who are also roommates got fed up and frustrated in life want to go on a pleasure trip along with Babai (Alluri Pawan Kumar) who was their friend, philosopher, and guide.
All the six head for Bogatha Waterfalls which is some 330 Km away from Hyderabad. Due to the breakdown of their vehicle on the way all the six want to trek on the road to their picnic spot by hitchhiking.
Things took a turn when Naidu steps on a landmine unexpectedly in a thick forest area infested by Naxalites and he was warned not to step up from the landmine as it may blast.
Hence all the six start thinking in their style to rescue Naidu from this ordeal. How did they do this by confronting the Naxals on the one side and the goons of MLA on the other side who had his eyes to confiscate this land by burning the forest and the nearby village is what Lol Salaam is all about.
Performances
Kivish Kautilya scores full marks for his portrayal of the character Reddy who despises the very idea of marriage but gets wrecked when a girl finally whom he likes refuses to marry him. His expressions all through the series while standing on the landmine are outstanding.
Then Rohit Krishna Varma who earlier impressed a lot in the series Ammai Cute Abbai Naatu has given another brilliant performance as Varma and his scenes particularly at the police station and the village are superb. Some of his expressions and dialogues make everyone ROFL.
Srinivas Rami Reddy kills with the special accent as Khan and the story which he narrates behind the people chasing him was a full laugh riot.
Bharadwaj as John was equally brilliant and his scenes with Vasu Inturi are quite entertaining. Darahas as Naidu too proved his talent particularly the scenes of interview and when captured in the forest were excellent.
Alluri Pawan Kumar also excels in the character of Babai as a senior companion who guides and follows his younger friends to prevent them from committing suicide out of frustration.
Harsha Vardhan in a cameo, the three girls Praveena, Padmini Settam, and Gayatri (Dolly) have also done well in their parts.
Lastly, the parting shot with Lobo will bring the roof down, no doubt at all.
Behind the scenes
The creator and director Naani Bandreddi deserve all the bouquets for his brilliant interpretation and presentation of a novel concept admirably on the screen.
Equally noteworthy was the contribution of Arjun-Carthyk who penned the story and dialogues along with Praneeth Prattipati. One of the funniest dialogues ever heard in recent times like ‘OTT lo interval entra? episode end aa?’ is just an example and there are many more such one-liners. It would have been better if there were no cuss words which were like sore thumb.
The title song composed by Ajay Arasada and sung well by Sagar had got a good beat with commendable rap by Zachariah Prasad though the background score was a bit louder at places which can be ignored.
Photography by Rakesh S Narayan has captured the night mode scenes very well and created right kind of ambiance and feel for the narrative throughout the series.
Final Verdict
A thoroughly riotous entertainer exploring a social angle which can be enjoyed except for few loopholes in the latter episodes and spoilers in the form of cuss words. On the whole, Lol Salaam provides wholesome entertainment with refreshing performances that was enjoyable.
