Rang De Movie Review: This Keerthy Suresh-Nithiin starrer is a breezy entertainer
Rang De Movie Review: This Keerthy Suresh-Nithiin starrer is a breezy entertainer

Rang De Movie Review: A breezy entertainer ably shouldered by Keerthy Suresh and Nithiin

An entertaining film that is watchable largely for the performances of its lead pair
Rating:(3 / 5)

Nithiin and Keerthy Suresh's romantic drama Rang De is undoubtedly more entertaining than recent films of this genre. Yet, this film rides on an old and predictable story.

Arjun (Nithiin) and Anu (Keerthy Suresh) are childhood buddies and neighbours, who share a love-hate relationship. He's a student with poor academic records; she's studious, thoughtful and attention-seeking. They grow up together for 20-odd years and Arjun sees Anu as the annoying friend everyone has in their life and also someone his parents (Naresh VK and Kausalya) love more than him. Arjun's father constantly holds up Anu's achievements as an example and Arjun thus develops a strong dislike for her. He wants to stay away from Anu so that his father will stop comparing him to her. Anu, on the other hand, assumes Arjun feels affection for her and falls for him. What happens next forms the rest of the story. 

Cast: Nithiin, Keerthy Suresh, Naresh VK, Rohini Molleti
Director: Venky Atluri

The first hour of the film draws its strength from the sheer charm of its lead pair. Director Venky Atluri has succeeded in maintaining a light and breezy tone throughout and generates laughter out of natural situations. Even the routine slang jokes are presented with a dash of freshness and in a less annoying manner.

However, despite its potential, the premise doesn't quite translate effectively on screen. The director fails to build enough tension as Arjun-Anu's friendship turns sour.  The real problems surface when Venky amps up the melodrama and resorts to cliches to milk the emotional conflict between the lead characters. For example, Anu's mother (Rohini Molleti) encourages Arjun and his wrongdoings, but doesn't support her daughter's goal to study abroad.

The humour dries up and the narrative goes off the rails in the second hour. The subplot involving Vineeth and Abhirami lacks depth and stretches the narrative needlessly. The climax scene where Arjun confesses to Anu fails to pack an emotional wallop.

Yet, you are willing to overlook all these loopholes because all the characters have their own insecurities, which make them endearing and relatable. The film also attempts to be mature about sexual abuse and the concept of motherhood.

Rang De is an out-and-out Keerthy Suresh film and she carries it on her shoulders. Nearly three years after Mahanati, this National award-winning actor comes out with another flawless performance. Her natural acting deserves a special mention. She is complemented well by Nithiin, who plays a complex and occasionally selfish character. His boy-next-door act works brilliantly again and he is impressive. Rohini brings believability to her role and Naresh VK puts in an earnest performance. Suhas, Abhinav Gomatam and Vennela Kishore (as a superstitious student who waits for rahu kaalam to pass) all evoke laughter. Brahmaji too keeps the audience in splits.

Devi Sri Prasad's music has already topped the charts and his background score elevates the mood of the film. PC Sreeram's cinematography is brilliant, especially in the songs and the scenes filmed in Dubai. 

Venky Atluri has made a reasonably entertaining film that is watchable largely for the performances of its lead pair. Rang De may not be a laugh riot, but it is sure to keep you glued to your seats thoughout. 

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