Metro Kathalu Review – An Omni-Bus Of Well Acted Emotions

BOTTOM LINE: An Omni-Bus Of Well Acted Emotions

Rating: 2.75/5

Skin N Swear: Yes, In Parts

What Is the Story About?

Metro Kathalu, as the title suggests, is a collection of four different stories. The common connection point is that they all happen in Hyderabad. Each account belongs to a different class and strata of the society, and there is no other standard connection. They just ex

Performances?

The casting is on the spot for the four different short stories. Nakshatra, Sana, Ali Reza, Nandini Rai, Rajeev Kanakala and Gayatri Bhargavi are cast for the key roles. Apart from Thiruveer Reddy, everyone else has done a decent job. Some have delivered a delicate dramatic act within the scope given to them.

Rajeev Kanakala, Sana and Nandini Rai easily stand out among the limited crowd. Among them, Rajeev Kanakala is the simplest and easily identifiable one. His story and the acting hit where it matters the most without much ambiguity or confusion. It is sure to bring a tear or two to the viewer.

When it comes to Sana and Nandini Rai, it is a much tricky job for them. It is more so for Sana as it could easily veer into an adult fantasy kind of trope. The actress does her best to avoid it, but the way the track progresses, it would be difficult to shrug it off. Her sequences from the hospital to the flat and then at the end are superbly enacted. The weariness on the face is well captured.

Nandini Rai’s part and the story are more straightforward. She does a great job of channelling the inner sexual frustration and desire of having someone to converse. The latter could have been more emphasised.

Analysis

Karuna Kumar, who made a stunning mainstream (as in theatrical entry) with Palasa 1978 is behind Metro Kathalu, as well. As said at the start, it is a simple collection of four short films with different emotions in each other of them.

Karuna Kumar has done a great job in extracting the performances. The ‘drama’ aspect of the performances enhances the overall mood and seriousness of the proceedings. However, the setting and additional background info added to the character would have done wonders to the same.

The story involving Sana, for example, could have done well with further details. The way it is, and its length makes it look predictable. Especially given how it moves on the expected lines. With a bit more background of the character and immersive writing, the impact could have been much higher. We only get a hint of all that through the words of the woman who has been facing various challenges in the day to day life. It is to the credit of the director and actress that we get a feel of it and the weariness, but it misses much more.

The two stories involving Nandini Rai and Nakshatra, are much more straightforward. The latter is pretty simple and consists of only background info to its account. The former again could have offered much more than what it settles for. The loneliness and depression aspect, along with the existing one, would have made it an impactful short. Of course, the packaging has to be smart, and one gets that it shouldn’t be overstuffed, but it has the scope there without getting too overboard.

And finally, the one involving Rajeev Kanakala is the good old yarn that makes the eyes moist when done right. It is done right, and the background score further compounds the impact. The underlying theme of food and memory is beautiful and feels essential to the KFC generation.

Overall, Metro Kathalu is a decent watch for the acting alone. It touches different themes but doesn’t get into depth and stays at the surface level. Still, for the unique content and watching Telugu actors do something different, give it a try. Be warned of the plodding pace, though.

Music and Other Departments?

The background score for the film is a significant asset. It enhances the overall impact. It does give a little cliché vibe, but that is alright. The cinematography could have been better. The editing is a bit loose, but that seems to be the idea to let the moments linger. The writing is alright. It is good in parts and at times feels underwritten, too.

Highlights?

Performances

Casting

BGM

Duration

Drawbacks?

Predictable In Parts

Extreme Slow Pace

Did I Enjoy It?

Yes

Will You Recommend It?

Yes

Metro Kathalu Review by Binged Bureau 

We’re hiring!

We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.