In the enchanting world of director Shiva Nirvana's "Kushi," Vijay Deverakonda and Samantha Ruth Prabhu unleash their charisma, elevating this romantic entertainer with a feel-good aura while deliberately skimming over its underlying conflict.
"Kushi" is meticulously crafted to be a delightful cinematic experience, leaving a lasting impression of heartfelt entertainment. The trio at the heart of this film—director Shiva Nirvana, along with actors Vijay Deverakonda and Samantha Ruth Prabhu—embarks on a mission to regain their box office prominence, given their recent underwhelming cinematic outings. As a result, "Kushi" goes the extra mile to deliver a gratifying family-friendly spectacle.
This endearing tale revolves around charismatic leads immersed in a romantic drama infused with humor and melodious tunes. The narrative seamlessly incorporates nods to Mani Ratnam's films, as well as paying homage to the stars, Vijay and Samantha. Beneath the film's entertaining veneer lies the subtle conflict of contrasting ideologies that can strain relationships. Shiva Nirvana opts for a simplistic approach, demonstrating that love has the power to bridge ideological gaps. While some characters remain one-dimensional, the exploration of these differing worldviews remains superficial.
The film's opening segment underscores the need for Shiva Nirvana, who serves as the story's writer, to delve into a more nuanced portrayal of individuals with all their complexities. Lenin Sathya (Sachin Khadekar) is an atheist, adorned with posters of scientists and slogans like "In science we trust." On the other hand, Chadarangam Srinivasa Rao (Murali Sharma) is renowned for his religious sermons and unwavering faith in rituals. Their clash escalates through a heated television debate. Predictably, chaos ensues when Lenin's son, Viplav Deverakonda (Vijay Deverakonda), and Chadarangam's daughter, Aradhya (Samantha Ruth Prabhu), fall in love and decide to marry.
"Kushi" (Telugu)
Cast: Vijay Deverakonda, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Murali Sharma, Lakshmi
Director: Shiva Nirvana
Music: Hesham Abdul Wahab
Plot: What happens when a marriage unites individuals with polar opposite ideologies?
Shiva Nirvana narrates the Viplav-Aradhya romance with generous nods to the styles of Mani Ratnam and AR Rahman. Viplav, an ardent Mani Ratnam fan, embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery in Kashmir, accompanied by Pitobash (Vennela Kishore, who effectively balances humor with seriousness). G Murali's cinematography, resembling the work of PC Sreeram and Santosh Sivan, pays tribute to these masters, while music composer Hesham Abdul Wahab masterfully contributes a feel-good score that leaves us yearning for an AR Rahman background score in the Kashmir setting.
The sequences in which Viplav woos Aradhya could have benefited from more robust writing. However, we willingly embrace the cinematic and occasionally silly situations, thanks to Vijay Deverakonda's portrayal, brimming with innocence and sincerity, as he effortlessly harnesses his charm. It's a return to his roots as the imperfect boy next door, and he owns every moment. Additionally, a hilarious reference to "Arjun Reddy" enhances the experience, especially with Rahul Ramakrishna playing the role of the friend.
"Kushi" delves into "Alaipayuthey" (known as "Sakhi" in Telugu) territory as Viplav and Aradhya defy their families. Even the middle-class setting and the older couple (Rohini and Jayaram) encouraging the younger couple to consider the bigger picture amid everyday frictions serve as a nod to "Alaipayuthey" and "Okay Kanmani."
However, "Kushi" falters when the parents enter the scene. At one point, a father's 'I-told-you-so' reaction to an unfortunate event, instead of offering emotional support, reflects the inherent egoism of the human mind. The resolution of the conflict between these polar-opposite characters occurs in the final act.
The journey leading up to this climax, however, feels uneven. The narrative avoids delving deep into any issue, quickly shifting to comedic situations or musical interludes to preserve the feel-good factor. The credit goes to Vijay and Samantha (ably supported by Chinmayi's dubbing) for conveying their characters' inner turmoil effectively in these moments. Murali Sharma and Sachin Khadekar strive to transcend their characters' limitations, but their roles offer limited scope.
Is "Kushi" entertaining? Undoubtedly. It's a heartwarming romantic musical elevated by its charming leads. However, it could have become a standout film by addressing the science versus religion conflict with more depth and contemplation.