After an extended hiatus, Nara Rohith returned to the film industry with Prathinidhi and Bhairavam. The former was met with disappointment, however, the latter earned him praise for his powerful performance. Now, he seems to have found his footing again with Sundarakanda, a romantic comedy. It remains to be seen whether this film will serve as his much-anticipated revival.
Story
In Sundarakanda, Siddharth (portrayed by Nara Rohith) is a carefree middle-aged man on a quest to find the perfect woman to marry, adhering to a five-point checklist inspired by his school crush, Vyshnavi (Sridevi Vijaykumar). His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Eira (Virti Vaghani), a college student, at an airport, leading him to chase after her to see if she fits his dream criteria. Does Eira meet all of Siddharth’s expectations? How will the age gap impact their budding relationship? Will Vyshnavi re-enter his life? These questions drive the narrative forward.
Performances
Nara Rohith effortlessly transitions back into his comfort zone following the intensity of Bhairavam. He embodies the charming neighbor archetype, stylishly navigating the romantic elements of his character. His comedic rapport with Satya, coupled with his emotional performances, is commendable.
Sridevi Vijaykumar makes a welcome return in a dual role, though her youthful portrayal could be seen as lacking in authenticity. Virti Vaghani embodies Eira with charm and ease, effectively portraying emotional scenes. Satya shines as Rohit’s friend, providing consistent laughs as he balances being a friend and a college professor throughout the film. Sunaina, playing his wife, also delivers a noteworthy performance.
Vasuki Anand shines as Rohit’s sister, bringing energy and enthusiasm to her role. Other supporting characters like Naresh, Roopa Lakshmi, Abhinav Gomatam, and VTV Ganesh are present but feel underutilized; more comedic scenes showcasing their talents could have enhanced the film.
Behind the scenes
The cinematography by Pradeesh Varma adds a sleek and modern touch to the film. Rohan Chillale’s editing leaves something to be desired, particularly in the second half, where cuts could have enhanced the pacing.
Leon James’ soundtrack is adequate, lacking the standout hits often associated with romantic comedies. While the background score is satisfactory, it somewhat resembles his previous works. New producers Santosh, Rakesh, and Gautam invested significantly to ensure high production quality. The art direction and costumes are suitable, enhancing the visual experience.
Debut director Venkatesh Nimmalapudi opted for a solid script with an unconventional twist, particularly focusing on the implications of that twist throughout much of the latter half. Although the film is entertaining and has its share of enjoyable moments, the plot becomes somewhat predictable apart from the twist.
Final Verdict
Currently, Telugu audiences seek wholesome, heartfelt films devoid of violence and intricate plots. The creators of Sundarakanda aimed to fulfill that desire and largely succeeded. The film is refreshingly wholesome and director Venkatesh chose a somewhat predictable narrative augmented by a thought-provoking twist.The film could have benefited from more humor and at least one or two standout tracks to elevate the overall viewing experience. While the lead performances are proficient, they don’t particularly impress, and the much-anticipated twist falls flat, coming off as unusual rather than shocking.
Nevertheless, the film contains genuinely enjoyable moments and a smooth narrative. The brouhaha between Satya and Rohit allows the first half to flow pleasantly, though the second half veers into melodrama, it wraps up in a satisfying emotional manner.
In summary, despite its imperfections, Sundarakanda serves as a charming, family-friendly entertainer, a rarity in today’s cinematic landscape. While it may not captivate with its storyline or musical scores, it offers enough light-heartedness and enjoyable moments for a worthwhile watch during the festive season.
