What Is the Story About?
Vikram (Sumanth) is a chef. He loves Nisha (Varshini Soundarajan) and gets married to her. The couple goes for a divorce after a few days due to misunderstandings. He then falls in love with Pavithra (Naina Ganguly), the lawyer who dealt with the divorce case. But Vikram is afraid to get married for the second time. He is in a phobia about divorce but Pavithra is not okay about it. What happens in their life forms the rest.
Performances?
Sumanth played the role of Vikram quite easily. It is a role that suits his age and also has some resemblance to his real life. Sumanth neatly portrays the psychological conflict in that role. However, there is inconsistency in the writing of the character as there are some excesses in the name of a false image. Even then, Sumanth’s act is by and large good.
Naina Ganguly gets the character with substance among all the three heroines in the film. She is okay as a modern girl with clear thoughts. Varshini Sounderajan is not up to the mark. Partly due to the character and partly due to the act. Pavani Reddy is again okay. Vennela Kishore leaves his mark with his timing. Posani does what is expected of him. Manjula gets an over-the-top character while Prudhvi Raj is seen in an empty role. The rest of the characters are okay.
Analysis
Director Keerthi Kumar opens the film with the story of how a person lives after divorce. It is mostly about how society sees the people who are divorced. The concept of divorce between young couples is a relatable subject to the current generation. Sensing the opportunity, he tried to package it as an Urban Rom-Com.
The initial portions of the film are flat, routine, and boring. The audience gets disconnected right away. The major problem here is that the director takes a lot of time to get into the actual story. It happens only just before the interval. The story offers a lot of scope for comedy but the film only scratches the surface.
The second love-marriage story should form the crux of the film. But then, the movie tanks exactly here. Except for the genuineness in the hero’s fear, the proceedings do not connect. The director also tries to touch on some serious issues pertaining the divorce and mental health but the episode is just a formality in the film.
There are two ways about handling such sensitive issues. You either take the entertainment route or you handle it with maturity. But Malli Modalaindi does not do both. After a barrage of boring and repetitive scenes, we have a long lecture from a surprise character.
The movie gets closure with not one but two twists. Both of them are predictable and are thrown at the audience who are exhausted. The climax itself is again just like two plus two is four. Finally, Malli Modalaindi is a decent subject that is poorly executed. Except for some fun here and there, everything falls flat.
Music and Other Departments?
Along with the direction, writing is also a culprit for Malli Modalaindi. The songs from Anup Rubens are strictly okay and the background score is alright. The camera work is in tune with the low production values. Pradeep E Ragav has been a disappointment in the editing department.
Highlights?
The subject
The fun here and there
Easy runtime
Drawbacks?
Lack of strength in the writing
Boring and Predictable Scenes
Weak Climax
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, here and there.Will You Recommend It?
Okay for Home watch but be informed of the issues.Malli Modalaindi Telugu Movie Review by Binged Bureau