Sammohanam Review: A memorable film

The film beautifully showcases the conflicts that arise when a star and a commoner, who despises the cinema industry, are thrown together
Sammohanam Review: A memorable film

A celebrity and a commoner, who despises the glamour world, are thrown together and form an unlikely romance. Sammohanam beautifully showcases the conflicts that arise in such a situation. 

Cast: Sudheer Babu, Aditi Rao Hydari, Naresh
Director: Indraganti Mohanakrishna

Vijay (Sudheer Babu), a children’s book illustrator and author, believes that the cinema industry is a sham and so are the people in it. His father (Naresh) loves cinema and the emotions they evoke. He also nurtures a secret desire to act as well. And when a big production house approaches him for shooting a film in his house, he agrees in exchange for a role in the film. Sameera Rathod (Aditi Rao Hydari), a superstar, arrives for the 20-day schedule at Vijay’s place amidst a lot of hype among his friends and family. When Vijay and his family laugh at Sameera’s lousy Telugu during a shot, she requests him to help her through her lines as long as she shoots there, thus bringing them together.

However, when Vijay confesses his love for her, she rejects his proposal saying she doesn’t feel that way towards him. To add to that, when Vijay finds that she uses the lines that he tells her in confidence in her film, it fuels his anger. How they finally come together and the reason why she rejects him forms the rest of the plot.

Sammohanam is a nod to the current debate of a woman’s standing in the film industry. It acknowledges, if not addresses, the misconceptions of how things work or are believed to be in the fraternity. There is also a commentary on the junk that media prints in the name of film news as well – two characters are specifically meant for that, in fact. Lines that specifically address these issues seem like they were intended for the audience to catch, but they fit perfectly within the narrative.

While the film maintains a steady pace through the first half, parts of the second half are rushed. It's a pity that the parts that are rushed are those that give us a peek into Sameera’s character. Aditi Rao, who has to seem like an unattainable woman, looks her part and the fact that she dubbed for herself adds an edge to her performance as well. Sudheer Babu has given one of his best performances in this film, and yet, perhaps because of the incredible artistes he shares screen space with, it falls short. Naresh is a delight to watch and the biggest asset to the film. Demonstrating humour and pathos in the same scene and doing it convincingly is only possible for an actor of his calibre.

The film and its emotions stay with you long after you leave the theatre. Especially Sameera. The only disappointment is the dialogue in some scenes, which aren't as impactful as they should be. Sammohanam is a breezy watch, and one you will not regret catching on the big screen.

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