Mallepuvvu Telugu Movie Review

Film: Mallepuvvu
Banner: Sri Samudra Silver Screens
Music: Ilayaraja
Editing: Chandu, Nandamuri Hari
Lyrics: Veturi Sundararamamurthy
Producer: Mohan Vadlapatla
Screenplay and Direction: V. Samudra
Release Date: Sep 19, 2008
Cast: Muralikrishna, Bhumika, V. Samudra , Suman Shetty, RK, Sukumar, Sameer, Hemasundar, Tilak, Kovai Sarala, Abhinayasri, Geetha Singh, Telangana Sakuntala, Farzana etc


The film Mallepuvvu is inspired to some extent by the internationally acclaimed award winning Iranian film Baran (2001) written, produced and directed by Majid Majidi and starring Hossein Abedini, Zahra Bahrami, Mohammad Amir Naji, Abbas Rahimi and Gholam Ali Bakhshi. The story of this film deals with Iranians and Afghanistan refugees at a construction site.

Story:

Malli (Bhumika) in a man’s disguise works at a construction site along with Koti (Muralikrishna), Suri (director V Samudra) and Rattalu (Abhinayasri). There are other workers at the site played by RK, Kovai Sarala, Suman Shetty, Geetha Singh.

Meanwhile, the police and a gang of rough-necks are on the look out for Malli.

The first revelation is that Malli is a woman in man’s attire. The second is that she is a refugee from Bangladesh.

As the love story between Malli and Koti evolves, answers to her mysterious background in the neighbouring country, the reasons for her stay here and other details unfold in truly dramatic style with twists and turns. Is Malli a part of a group of terrorists or running away from them?

Performances:

Bhumika gives a sterling performance. She excels in portraying a wide range of emotions more with facial expressions and body language rather than explicit dialogue. Muralikrisna is at ease and shows a rare maturity in acting in his debut film. The real surprise is director Samudra who played the role of Suri. He assayed his role to perfection.

All other supporting actors have given adequate performances as per the demands of their roles.

Techniques:

The screenplay and direction are conceived and executed with consummate excellence. The story, though inspired by an Iranian film, is amended innovatively and suitably blended with nativity. Dialogues are effective and evoke attention to the characters.The comedy incidents and tracks do not tickle the ribs. Cinematography and editing are of high standards. The production values could have been better.

The USP of the film is the lyrics by Veturi Sundararamamurthy and the lilting music composed by maestro Ilayaraja. The choreographers have also done a pleasing job.

Bottom Line:

Mallepuvvu is a heart warming, very touching and sensibly sensitive film very well crafted by Samudra. The film is worth watching especially for the innovative story, brilliant performance by Bhoomika and the mind-friendly melodious music.