What Is the Story About?
Highway is a story of three individuals, Vishnu (Anand Deverakonda), Tulasi (Manasa Radhakrishna), and a psycho killer. They come from three different backgrounds and are completely unrelated to each other. The movie’s basic plot is how their lives cross paths on the highway and where it ends.
Performances?
Anand Deverakonda once again chooses a relatable role that doesn’t involve high drama. He plays a photographer with high dreams. The regular portions, which involve fun with family and a friend, are acceptable as usual. The same is the case with the little romantic portions on display. However, he isn’t that effective when it comes to big drama and action. One can see him straining. The attempt to be realistic in action is good, but still, it isn’t that convincing.
Compared to Anand Deverakonda’s past few outings, it can be said that Highway is the weakest character-wise. It follows a standard hero template, and the actor fails to elevate the ordinary.
Manasa Radhakrishna is okay in the role of a girl who has been perennially under pressure. She could have brought more depth and made it compelling, but in hindsight, it is a stretch considering the scope of the written part.
Analysis
KV Guhan, a renowned cinematographer, turned director with Happy Days remake in Telugu. Years later, he made a strong comeback in Telugu with the film 118. Highway is his third direct outing in Telugu and second back-to-back OTT release.
Like his previous films, KV Guhan has picked an interesting setup and relatable characters to fill the world. However, unlike his Telugu debut, where Highway falters is the terribly weak writing. There is no meat to the proceedings at all.
The characters and related incidents move from one block to another without an emotional connection. While the editing makes things look smooth even though the events are happening in different spaces, the characters and their bonding (or fear) come across as isolated.
The only thing that works in the narrative is the intermittent chill, and creep feel created by the psycho character wonderfully played by Abhishek Banerjee. If not for him, there would be no point in watching the movie at all.
The writing sticks out no matter which track we follow. The police investigation stands out in this regard as the dialogues are too generic and silly. There is no character-building or world-building related to them. It is why we feel nothing for them when their track ends.
The hero-heroine plot is somewhat better, but it is only marginally. Even for a wafer-thin storyline, it feels rushed and empty. The emotions, therefore, don’t carry. After a flat first hour establishing the characters and their threads, the second half feels a little better, though. Again, it is only marginally considering whatever has preceded.
The ending is decent, even though tacky at times. The small twists make it tick. They are nothing exceptional, but it works within the humdrum narrative.
Overall, Highway is a thriller that is bland for the most. A few decent moments towards the end are fine, but it’s a little too late in the day. Give it a try if you like thrillers and the bar is really low.
Other Artists?
Saiyami Kher and Abhishek Banerjee play other vital roles. Among the two, the latter is easily the best thing in the movie. As mentioned previously, the entire film would have been pointless if not for him. The ease and intensity with which Abhishek Banerjee carries out his part hook one instantly. There is always a tense feeling when he is around. It is what holds the attention of the viewer momentarily. Saiyami fails to impress, and a large part of the blame should go to writing. Comedian Sathya is wasted.
Music and Other Departments?
Simon K King’s background score is good. Interestingly, his BGM evoking love feeling trumps the suspense and fear one’s. The intro and separation music of the lead pair is the best example. KV Guhan also handles the cinematography, and it’s alright. Thammiraju’s editing is decent. The dialogues should have been far better.
Highlights?
Abhishek Banerjee
BGM
Short Length
Drawbacks?
Writing
No Emotional Connection
Dragging Parts
Thin Storyline
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Huge Reservations
Highway Review by Binged Bureau
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