Mathu Vadalara Movie Review: Refreshingly honest and entertaining

There is something exciting about Mathu Vadalara, which is designed as a new-age crime-comedy thriller. Despite the convoluted second hour and flimsy climax, the film is entertaining and keeps you hooked throughout its 130-minute runtime. The film opens in the Jubilee Hills slum, introducing us to three friends Babu Mohan (Sri Simha), Yesu (Satya) and Abhi (Naresh Agastya), who live in a ramshackle apartment. While Babu and Yesu work as delivery boys for an e-commerce portal, Abhi, who likens himself to Sherlock Holmes, binges on his favourite web series and a local TV serial.

Cast: Sri Simha, Satya, Naresh Agastya, Vennela Kishore
Direction: Ritesh Rana

Babu is annoyed as he's paid only one-third of his actual salary by his avaricious boss (SS Kanchi). On the other hand, Yesu, who is paid even lesser, remains unfazed as he earns about Rs 1 lakh per month by duping his customers. Babu thinks that his income is not enough to meet his needs and decides to quit the job. But things change when Yesu convinces Babu to go his way. As it turns out, Babu finds himself in the midst of a problem and sets out to prove his innocence with the help of his friends.

This is a well-plotted movie packed with witty one-liners, and there are more than a few scenes of laugh-out-loud comedy too. The songs and dialogues from Chiranjeevi's old films and Doris Day's Que Sera Sera that play in the background bring a distinct vibe to this narrative.

In the second hour, however, things become quite clunky and a drug-mafia subplot threatens to derail the film. Thankfully, before that can happen, the director brings the narrative back on track, giving us surprise after surprise as the story progresses towards a crackling climax. Ritesh exploits this scenario to make some sharp observations about the young generation addicted to ‘meth’ and making desperate attempts to earn money.

Mathu Vadalara’s appeal lies in its lead and supporting cast. Sri Simha and Naresh Agastya give compelling performances, with the former showcasing both anger and vulnerability, and latter nicely underplaying his character. Beaming with energy, Satya gives a breakout performance as Yesu. He is determined, funny in a deadpan way, and shines in his act. Ritesh also mines humour from a colourful cast of supporting players — Vennela Kishore, Brahmaji, Pavala Shyamala and Vidyullekha — giving them funny lines and moments to shine. An episode of a television serial couple caught in unusual circumstances brings the house down.

As is typical of crime-thrillers, there's honesty beneath the funny exterior and aside from a hackneyed portion in which Babu wistfully tries to recollect what happened on that ill-fated day, the film is thoroughly entertaining. Ritesh's script rarely misses a beat and makes one relate to the many truths this film holds a mirror to. The youngster, in his maiden directorial venture, has done a commendable job, keeping the pace slick and the tone consistent.

Music composer Kaala Bhairava's background score is lively and foot-tapping. With a fascinating storyline, Mathu Vadalara is refreshing, delightful, and worth being your pick for this weekend.