What Is the Story About?
Rahul (Prince) plans to go to the US and earn big money. However, when he arrives there, things are not as rosy as he thought initially. One day he meets a rich girl and young doctor, Riya Varma. Soon they turn into friends with benefits. What happens to Rahul’s dream? Did he make his father happy and get the money he wished to make in the US forms the rest of the plot.
Performances?
Prince looks perfect playing the part of a disgruntled youth who thinks going to the US will settle all his problems. He is fine in the initial sequences, which require him to be his usual self. As the narrative progresses, there is a change in tone, and that’s where weaknesses are seen. He isn’t as convincing as one would expect, but Prince pulls it off alright. It is a role with a good arc for him and is much better than half baked parts in relatively bigger movies.
Analysis
Dr Vighnesh Kaushik writes and directs The American Dream. It is a straightforward story but with a twist in the tale. It is both its weakness and strength.
The beginning one hour of the movie is run of the mill stuff. It is about a struggling youth whose girlfriend leaves him, and his father doesn’t support him (initially). There is a hint at ideological conflict here, which is not explored fully.
The subsequent US portions are all fine and show clearly that the director knows what he is working on. The idea of knowing the space helps him, and it creates an authentic atmosphere. It makes the narrative gripping despite lack of quality.
However, it looks like things are getting very repetitive after a point. It is the same thing, and one can feel the protagonist’s frustration. It is here that a switch in genre happens. Unfortunately, it isn’t handled well.
The opening sequences, the initial US parts, and the portions with the heroine – all have a different tone and feel. And then, when the narrative takes a different thriller turn, it feels as if we are watching a whole new film.
The last one hour could be a new film on its own. The entire thing could be reworked that way. The inexperience in providing a cohesive narrative is visible here. There is a connection at the start, but the way it has been purposefully misled (into a romantic thread) doesn’t help the cause.
The last half an hour is decent, and the twist is fine. It is perfect for how it has been a build-up, although a little far-fetched. If only it was what the entire narrative was about, and the whole thing was presented grippingly, the final impact would have been different and impressive.
Overall, The American Dream is a decent attempt from a newcomer with a low budget. Its part drama, part thriller screenplay, makes for an inconsistent narrative. More so when there is an amateurishness on display along with it. If you like something different but have low expectations, give the movie a try and be wary of the pace.
Other Artists?
The movie has limited artists. Most of the faces are local actors with no prior experience barring Prince and Subhaleka Sudhakar. Neha Krishna playing the female lead is acceptable in casual portions, but the inexperience shows when it comes to the dramatic parts.
Music and Other Departments?
The music by Anhinay TJ is alright. The songs are a mix of quirky, funny ones and sad numbers. The background score is also decent, although a bit loud. Two cinematographers, Abhiraj Nair and Adam Chapman, have worked on the movie. They have done decently given the resources, but the one can’t miss short film vibe. The editing by Sasank Vupputuri is okay.
Highlights?
Last Half An Hour
Basic Story
Set-Up
Drawbacks?
Uneven Tone
Low Budget Making
Repetitive In Parts
Length
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In PartsWill You Recommend It?
Yes, But With ReservationsThe American Dream Telugu Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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