Appa I Love You Movie Review: An emotional tale pulled down by a formulaic approach

Stories related to familial bonds are delicate and often evoke strong emotions. Especially when they touch upon the painful reality of parents being deserted by their children. While this topic is frequently discussed in real life, films tend to take a deeper look into this topic, as touched upon by director Atharv Arya.

But firstly, the title 'Appa I Love You', evokes memories of a popular song from the Kannada film Chowka, which becomes the title and central plot of the film. It delves into the heart-wrenching narrative of parental trust shattered by betrayal. This emotionally charged drama shines light on a father's unwavering faith in his son, which unfortunately leads to a harrowing journey into homelessness and despair.

At the heart of this tale lies Rahul (Prem), the savvy owner of an IT company, and Kavya (Manvitha Kamath), his devoted partner, both yearning for the pitter-patter of tiny feet to grace their home. Yet, despite years of marriage, the cruel hand of fate denies them this joy due to medical hurdles. Undeterred, they embark on a journey of hope and compassion, opting to embrace parenthood through adoption.

Director: Athrav Arya

Cast: Tabla Nani, Prem, Manvitha Kamath, Sanjay, Jeevitha Vasishta and Raja Balawadi

Their quest leads them to an orphanage, where they cross paths with Dharmanna (Tabla Nani), a figure cloaked in enigma. As the spotlight shifts towards him, we uncover the gritty reality of Dharmanna's past — a diligent middle-class man who has weathered life's storms, raising his son Sanjay (Vikas) single-handedly. There comes a time when Sanjay, despite objections, marries his colleague Sneha (Jeevitha).

However, what begins as a seemingly ordinary marital union soon turns into a nightmare for Dharmanna as he becomes a victim of Sneha's domestic abuse. Heartbroken to see Dharmanna's suffering, his loyal circle of friends rally together, determined to fight for his dignity through legal means. Will Dharmanna finally find peace and the love he yearns for? The end gives a different and new twist, something that lingers in the audience's memory after exiting the theatre.

Appa I Love You revolves around the intricate dynamics between a father and his son and the challenges encountered by elderly individuals after their children build a life for themselves. Director Atharv Arya's attempt to address a pertinent social issue is commendable. However, the film's approach can sometimes feel overly preachy and emotionally heavy, testing the audience's patience. The makers could have trimmed down the duration to keep the audience engaged throughout. Moreover, the storyline, while touching upon relevant themes, follows a somewhat predictable route. The kind of support coming from friends and fighting for justice is a notable thought. But, the flaw lies in the courtroom scenes, where the lack of nuanced detail diminishes the effectiveness.

Nevertheless, Tabla Nani's portrayal of Dharmanna stands out. A natural actor, he injects depth and authenticity into the character. Additionally, Prem and Manvitha justify their limited screen time well. The competent performances of supporting cast members Raja Balawadi, Jeevitha, and Vikas, elevate this emotional drama. Apart from the aforementioned positives, the rest of Appa I Love You seems to have a formulaic approach, which detracts from the film's potential impact. Appa I Love You is a film that might prompt a few to reconsider their approach with their parents and in-laws, especially regarding adoption. However, the film could have benefitted from a fresh approach.